Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has officially announced the creation of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing music industry growth. This foundation will kick off its primary initiative in collaboration with Berklee College of Music, offering top-tier education in music production and business starting this April.
Reflecting on her journey, Tiwa Savage shared that before she gained international recognition, she was once a scholarship student at Berklee, where she studied Professional Music at the age of 24. She emphasized the transformative influence that experience had on her career trajectory.
Tiwa remarked on her scholarship experience, stating: "My opportunity to attend Berklee at 24 drastically changed my outlook. It broadened my understanding of global networks and the strength of knowledge in fostering creativity. I realized that while talent knows no borders, access to opportunities often does."
This new foundation aims to provide similar access to aspiring creatives in Africa, emphasizing the importance of rightly supporting those who operate within the music ecosystem, including producers, sound engineers, songwriters, and other industry professionals, not just artists.
Tiwa elaborated: "Afrobeats has grabbed the world's focus, but an industry relies on more than just its artists. Behind every popular sound exists a complex network of professionals — producers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, innovators, and composers. Without intentional development of these roles, we risk undermining the growth of the entire industry."
The Foundation's launch coincides with a special partnership with the Berklee College of Music, marking the first instance of the Berklee on the Road program taking place in Nigeria. This initiative is especially meaningful to Tiwa as it represents a full circle since she is an alumnus of the college.
Berklee President Jim Lucchese mentioned the partnership's significance in expanding the institution's global outreach. He stated: "The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program marks an important step in extending Berklee's curriculum worldwide thanks to the generosity of one of our dedicated alumni. This program offers a unique chance for international artists, and I eagerly anticipate the artistic results from these workshops."
Jason Camelio, Assistant Vice President for Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships, noted: "Our connections aim to bridge the Berklee community with the broader global music scene. Collaborating with leading artists like Tiwa provides invaluable educational experiences that will inspire and open doors for emerging talents."
Beyond mentorship and training, Tiwa is committed to equipping African creatives for the rapidly evolving landscape of the music industry, especially given the increasing influence of technology.
She expressed: "The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is my dedication to providing opportunities similar to the one I received. As technology transforms the music landscape, we must be prepared. The question is not if it will impact African music but rather how we will adapt as educated leaders or remain bystanders. Education, access, and ownership are crucial to changing the narrative."
The program will operate daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and will conclude with a live showcase where participants will present original works that merge global musical styles with West African cultural influences. Participants selected for the program will earn scholarships and receive customized guidance for further studies with Berklee's online and in-person offerings.
Applications are open to budding musicians, producers, songwriters, and creatives throughout Africa and will close on March 20, 2026. Admission is highly competitive, and there are no tuition fees for accepted individuals.
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