The inaugural Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme (Class of 2026) concluded with a Grand Finale Concert and Graduation/Award Ceremony held on Sunday at the National Theatre, Lagos. This intensive initiative, organized by the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation (TSMF) in partnership with Berklee College of Music, marked Berklee's historic first on-the-ground appearance in Nigeria and the broader West African region.

Spearheaded by award-winning singer and Berklee alumna Tiwa Savage (Class of 2007), who served as its artistic adviser, the programme was designed to bridge Africa's vibrant music industry with global education standards. Savage collaborated with Berklee Global and the Berklee on the Road platform to deliver world-class training directly within Nigeria's music ecosystem, fulfilling a core mission to expand access to professional training and global opportunities for emerging talent.

From a record 2,100 applicants, 120 emerging Nigerian singers, songwriters, producers, and music professionals were meticulously selected to participate. The intensive daily training sessions, held from April 22 to 26 at the MUSON Centre School of Music in Lagos, combined comprehensive lectures, hands-on workshops, ensemble rehearsals, mentorship, and crucial one-on-one scholarship interviews. The curriculum offered practical instruction across essential areas such as live performance, songwriting, music production, stagecraft, and the business of music. Participants engaged directly with Berklee faculty, exploring genres including Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, and fusion, culminating in the creation and performance of original compositions. Esteemed faculty members included Dennis Montgomery, Yoron Israel, Tyrone Chase, Nichelle Mungo, Anthony Nembhard, and Jason Camelio.

A significant highlight of the programme was the awarding of fully funded undergraduate places at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Dean of Admissions, Damien Bracken, confirmed that after rigorous auditions and interviews, 27 highly skilled musicians were shortlisted, with 18 outstanding participants ultimately receiving more than $2 million in merit scholarships. This substantial commitment aims to assist these candidates in enrolling at Berklee the following year.

The grand finale, which was free to the public, attracted over 1,000 attendees, including members of the US Consulate, industry executives, cultural leaders, and enthusiastic music lovers. Hosted by Darey Art Alade and media personality Kiekie, the event showcased compelling live performances by the Class of 2026 ensembles, featuring original works developed during the programme. The performances elegantly blended classics from icons like Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis with contemporary influences from artists such as Ayra Starr, Masego, and Ne-Yo. Guest performances by Loud Urban Choir and singer Teni further energized the audience, underscoring the remarkable diversity and depth of emerging Nigerian talent. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of graduation certificates to all 120 participants.

Speaking at the event, Tiwa Savage expressed profound emotion and pride, describing the milestone as symbolic of the programme's broader mission. She stated, "Seeing these young musicians take the stage at the National Theatre was a deeply emotional and proud moment for me. When we started the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, the goal was to bring the world's highest standards of music education home to Nigeria, and seeing 18 of our students receive life-changing scholarships to Berklee in Boston is proof that our talent is truly global." She reiterated her foundation's mission to empower African creatives with the necessary tools, structure, and platform to excel on the global stage. Beyond the formal proceedings, the event garnered significant social media attention, notably for a widely shared moment of reconciliation between Tiwa Savage and singer Seyi Shay.

This initiative represents a pivotal moment for music education in Africa, signifying a clear shift towards structured talent development and enhanced institutional collaboration within the industry. Organizers have indicated that future editions are anticipated, underscoring a sustained commitment to nurturing the next generation of African music talent.