Afrobeats Icon Tiwa Savage Joins Forces with Berklee to Empower African Talent
Berklee alum Tiwa Savage and her foundation have announced a new program in partnership with Berklee taking place in Lagos, Nigeria.
Image by Deven Sukhdeo
Berklee and the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation have announced a new Berklee on the Road program taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, from Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The four-day Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program brings Berklee’s globally recognized teaching methodology directly into Nigeria’s influential and fast-growing music ecosystem. The initiative reflects a continued investment in Africa’s next generation of music creators as Afrobeats and African-led sounds continue to shape global charts, touring circuits, and streaming platforms.
Spearheaded by Savage PD '07, global Afrobeats icon and artistic advisor, the program is designed to immerse emerging artists in a professional musicianship experience that mirrors today’s international music industry. Participants will engage directly with artistic and industry leaders while developing practical skills aligned with contemporary global music careers.
The intensive offers hands-on instruction across performance, songwriting, music production, and the business of music, emphasizing how these disciplines intersect in real-world professional settings. Programming is designed to meet participants at their current level while expanding their creative range, industry knowledge, and long-term career pathways.
“Berklee has been an important part of my journey,” said Savage. “My time as a young student helped shape how I see music, creativity, and the business side of it all. Being able to bring this program back home to Nigeria at an exciting time of the music industry means everything to me. I’m humbled to build this bridge to talent who deserve such world-class training and experience needed to thrive in this field.”
“Our team connects the Berklee community to the world and the world to the Berklee community,” said Jason Camelio, assistant vice president for Berklee global programs and partnerships. “These educational experiences are best accomplished with the knowledge and expertise of leading artists and alumni. There is no better way to connect with the music community in Nigeria than with Tiwa Savage. We see this program and relationship as a historic pathway forward to enrich our educational and artistic experiences, inspire our students and teachers, and open doors for the next generation of emerging artists.”
“The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, our first-ever Berklee on the Road in Nigeria, will continue to increase access to Berklee’s curriculum around the world through the generosity and collaborative spirit of one of our most accomplished and dedicated alums,” said Berklee President Jim Lucchese. “The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists. I look forward to seeing the artistry and creativity that results from these exciting workshops.”
The program culminates in student performances that blend contemporary global music styles with West African musical traditions, followed by a closing ceremony that includes the presentation of scholarship awards. Select participants will also receive guidance on continuing their artistic and professional development through Berklee’s in-person and online programs.
The Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications are open now through March 20, 2026, to emerging musicians and creators, with a selective admissions process. There is no cost for accepted participants to enroll in the program; all participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging in Lagos. Learn more about the program and application process.
About the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is a philanthropic initiative founded by multi award-winning global music artist Tiwa Savage. The foundation is dedicated to empowering emerging talent through music, education, and creative opportunity by providing access to world-class music training, mentorship, and resources across the African continent, particularly aimed at underrepresented or underserved communities.
Rooted in the belief that music is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and social change, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation aims to nurture the next generation of creatives while fostering pathways to sustainable careers within the music and creative industries. Through strategic partnerships, community-driven programs, and targeted initiatives, the foundation is committed to creating lasting impact and expanding access to opportunities across Africa and beyond.
