Tiwa Savage, a prominent figure in global music, has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative deeply rooted in her own transformative experience at Berklee College of Music. At the age of 24, Savage received a scholarship to Berklee, an opportunity she credits with profoundly altering her career trajectory. This scholarship, she explains, expanded her understanding of global systems, the power of knowledge in creativity, and highlighted that while talent is universal, access is not. This realization now forms the cornerstone of her new foundation.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation (TSMF) is dedicated to discovering, developing, and supporting the next generation of African music creatives. Its scope extends beyond just artists, encompassing the entire ecosystem that sustains the music industry. This includes producers, engineers, songwriters, publishers, lawyers, and composers—individuals who often work behind the scenes but are crucial for the industry's health and longevity. Savage emphasizes that while Afrobeats has captured global attention, the industry cannot stand on artists alone; it requires a robust network of these professionals, whom she calls the "architects of structure, ownership and longevity."

A significant aspect of the Foundation's launch is its partnership with Berklee College of Music, creating a full-circle moment for the alumna (Berklee PDM ’07). This collaboration introduces the Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme, marking the first-ever Berklee on the Road initiative in Nigeria. Berklee President Jim Lucchese lauded the program as a vital step in the institution’s global outreach, noting that it will increase access to Berklee’s curriculum and provide a tremendous, unique opportunity for global artists. Jason Camelio, Assistant Vice President for Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships, echoed this sentiment, stating that there is no better way to connect with the Nigerian music community than with Tiwa Savage, viewing the program as a historic pathway to enrich educational and artistic experiences and open doors for emerging artists.

Beyond training and mentorship, the TSMF aims to prepare African creatives for the rapidly evolving music industry, especially concerning technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence. Savage stresses the imperative for African creatives to be educated leaders in this space, rather than passive observers. She believes that education, access, and ownership are key to overcoming the historical perception of African creatives being late to global systems, ensuring they are well-equipped for the future of music.

The intensive program will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., culminating in a live showcase where participants will present original work that blends global music styles with West African traditions. Selected participants will receive scholarship awards and personalized guidance on pursuing further studies through Berklee’s in-person and online programs. Applications for emerging musicians, producers, songwriters, and creatives across Africa are currently open and will close on March 20, 2026. Admission is highly selective, and there is no tuition cost for accepted participants.