By Ayomide Otitoju
Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative aimed at discovering and training emerging African music talents while expanding access to world-class education in the creative industry.
The foundation was unveiled on March 9, 2026, at a high-profile event held at The Delborough in Lagos, attracting prominent figures from the entertainment industry, business community and public sector.
Speaking at the launch, Savage said the initiative would develop skills across several areas of the music ecosystem beyond performance, including film scoring, music publishing, music therapy, production and sound engineering.
According to the award-winning singer, the foundation seeks to bridge the gap between raw talent and access to professional training and global opportunities.
Savage noted that while Nigeria is rich in musical talent, many creatives lack the infrastructure and education needed to compete internationally. She said the foundation aims to create pathways that connect talented individuals with the right training and global networks.
As part of its inaugural programme, the foundation will select 100 African creatives for a four-day intensive training programme scheduled to hold in Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026.
The initiative is being organised in partnership with Berklee College of Music, Savage’s alma mater, which will send faculty members to Nigeria to conduct the training.
Participants will receive hands-on instruction in songwriting, live performance, music production and the business side of the music industry. The programme will be free for selected applicants.
Savage said the initiative was inspired by her own educational experience at Berklee in the mid-2000s, adding that the foundation will sponsor a number of outstanding participants for full scholarships to study at the institution.
Applications for the programme are open to musicians, producers, songwriters and other creatives across Africa until March 20, 2026.
The singer explained that the foundation is designed to support not only performing artists but also behind-the-scenes professionals such as producers, sound engineers, instrumentalists and music executives. It will also provide mentorship, training resources and long-term career development opportunities for young African creatives.
Savage also emphasised the importance of partnerships and funding in sustaining the foundation’s mission, noting that collaboration with organisations and stakeholders would be key to expanding its impact.
The launch event was attended by several notable personalities, including media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, talent manager Bose Ogulu, television personality Toke Makinwa and musician Darey Art Alade.
Others present included singer Johnny Drille, socialite Yeni Kuti, music executive Soso Soberekon, cleric Bolaji Idowu and business executive Florence Ita-Giwa.
Also in attendance were Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry; Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank; and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Through the new foundation, Savage said she hopes to nurture the next generation of African music professionals and create opportunities for them to compete on the global stage.
