For the first time in West Africa, the renowned Berklee College of Music is set to hold a programme in Lagos, made possible through the newly established foundation of award-winning singer Tiwa Savage.
Through the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, the singer is partnering with Berklee to provide Nigerian creatives with access to world-class music education. The initiative, titled Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, will bring faculty members from the Boston-based institution to Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026.
The four-day intensive will train 100 up-and-coming Nigerian music creators at no cost, marking Berklee’s first-ever programme in West Africa. With annual tuition at leading global music schools ranging between $40,000 and $60,000, Tiwa’s foundation is fully covering the financial requirements to eliminate barriers for participants.
Savage’s connection to Berklee dates back to her early career, when she received a scholarship to study at the institution in Boston, Massachusetts. Reflecting on the experience in an interview with CNN, she said:
“That experience changed how I saw music. Talent alone isn’t enough. Structure, education, and exposure are what allow creatives to compete globally.”
The programme will blend classroom theory with practical training, covering areas such as music production, songwriting, harmony, ear training, sound engineering, publishing, copyright, and aspects of entertainment law.
Savage emphasised that the initiative aims to strengthen the entire music ecosystem not just performers, but also producers, engineers, composers, and industry professionals.
“You can be the most talented artist in the world, but without the people who create, capture, protect, and monetise music, there is no industry,” she said.
The event will conclude with live ensemble showcases, and exceptional participants may be considered for scholarships to Berklee’s Boston campus or its online programmes.
Beyond this initiative, Tiwa Savage has also made headlines recently for personal revelations and public exchanges, continuing to remain a prominent voice both within and outside the music industry.