Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has announced a new partnership with Berklee College of Music aimed at training 100 young music creators in Nigeria, as part of a new effort to expand professional music education access in Africa’s largest entertainment market.
The program will run in Lagos from April 23 to April 26, 2026, and will be delivered through the newly established Tiwa Savage Music Foundation. Faculty members from the Boston based Berklee College of Music will travel to Nigeria to lead the four day training, which will be offered at no cost to selected participants.
The initiative, known as the Berklee in Nigeria Intensive Music Program, will provide instruction in songwriting, music production, sound engineering, harmony, ear training, and key areas of the music business such as copyright and publishing. The training will also include group performances at the end of the program.
Savage said the project reflects her long standing desire to open learning opportunities for young Africans interested in music careers.
The Nigerian artist, who previously studied at Berklee on scholarship, said her time at the institution expanded her understanding of the music industry beyond performance. She said exposure to technical and business aspects of music helped shape her career and informed her decision to create similar opportunities for others.
Participants who stand out during the Lagos training may be considered for scholarships to study at Berklee in Boston or enroll in online programs offered by the college. Organizers say the goal is to create pathways for Nigerian creators to access global music education and professional networks.
The launch comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to gain international popularity. Sub Saharan Africa has seen strong growth in recorded music revenue, with Nigeria emerging as one of the region’s leading export markets.
Savage said the foundation will not focus only on singers but also on producers, composers, engineers and other professionals whose work supports the music sector.
Tuition costs at leading international music schools can exceed tens of thousands of dollars each year, putting formal training beyond the reach of many young Africans. Savage said covering the cost of the Lagos program is intended to reduce that barrier.
Applications for the program opened on February 24, 2026, and will close on March 20, 2026. Organizers say selected participants will receive full funding to attend the training in Lagos.
Savage said the foundation plans to expand its activities in the future, including scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students and the possible creation of a permanent music training institution in the country.
