Eighteen Nigerian creatives have secured over $2 million in scholarships following the conclusion of a music training initiative spearheaded by Tiwa Savage, marking a major boost for emerging talent in the country’s creative industry.
The scholarships were awarded at the grand finale of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation’s inaugural programme, an initiative aimed at equipping young artists with the skills and exposure needed to compete on the global stage.
Held in Lagos, the programme brought together aspiring musicians and creatives from across Africa, offering them intensive training and mentorship designed to bridge the gap between raw talent and professional excellence.
The four-day programme, themed ‘Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme,’ ran from April 23 to April 26, 2026, and featured a mix of practical sessions, performances, and industry-focused learning.
It was organised in collaboration with Berklee College of Music, one of the world’s leading music institutions.
The training covered key areas, including songwriting, music production, stage performance, and the business side of music, areas often overlooked in conventional talent development frameworks.
Participants engaged directly with experienced instructors, gaining insights into both the creative and commercial aspects of the industry.
The programme culminated in a showcase and award ceremony at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, where participants performed original compositions developed during the training. The event attracted music executives, industry stakeholders, and fans, highlighting the growing importance of structured talent development in Africa’s music ecosystem.
Performances at the finale reflected a diverse mix of sounds, including Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and experimental genres, underscoring the richness and versatility of emerging African talent.
At the centre of the evening was the announcement of 18 standout participants who would receive full three-year scholarships to Berklee College of Music, providing them with access to world-class education and global exposure.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Tiwa Savage emphasised the importance of investing in talent beyond performance alone, stressing the need for education and mentorship within the music industry.
“This is about creating opportunities that didn’t exist for many of us when we started.
“It’s not just about being on stage — it’s about understanding the craft, the business, and the power of music as a global language,” she said.
She noted that while African music continues to gain international recognition, many young artists still lack access to structured learning platforms to refine their skills and expand their opportunities.
Through its partnership with Berklee, the foundation aims to connect local talent with global standards, allowing participants to experience international-level training without initially leaving the continent.
Beyond the scholarships, the initiative also facilitated networking opportunities among participants, enabling them to build relationships that could shape their careers in the long term.
