Tiwa Savage Launches Free Music Foundation to Train Nigeria's Next Stars

Tiwa Savage is launching a new foundation to bring world-class music education to Nigeria. The initiative aims to remove financial barriers that prevent young creatives from accessing top-tier training. With tuition at elite music schools often exceeding $60,000 a year, many talented artists in the country struggle to afford formal study.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation will kick off with a fully funded, four-day intensive programme in Lagos. Running from April 23 to 26, 2026, the event will be led by faculty from Berklee College of Music—the first time the institution has held a programme in West Africa. One hundred emerging Nigerian artists, producers, engineers, and music business professionals will take part, selected through a competitive process.

Applications open on February 24, 2026, and close on March 20, 2026. Candidates must submit a video audition and demonstrate musical talent, potential, and prior experience. The curriculum covers production, songwriting, sound engineering, harmony, ear training, music publishing, copyright, and entertainment law.

The foundation's mission goes beyond performers. It targets the entire creative ecosystem, including composers, engineers, and industry professionals. Standout participants may earn scholarships for further study at Berklee's Boston campus or through online courses. This effort comes as Sub-Saharan Africa's recorded music market grows rapidly, with revenues exceeding $110 million in 2024.

By covering all tuition costs, the foundation turns opportunity into real access. The programme's first edition in April 2026 marks a step toward building a sustainable creative economy in Nigeria.

The Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program will train 100 participants at no cost. Successful applicants will gain skills in production, law, and performance under Berklee's guidance. The foundation's long-term goal is to create pathways for Nigerian talent to thrive in the global music industry.