The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation has facilitated three-year, fully funded scholarships worth over $2 million for 18 Nigerian music professionals at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.
The Programme
Held over five days from April 22–26, 2026, the programme brought together 120 of Nigeria's most promising emerging artists, songwriters, producers, and music professionals for an immersive, world-class training experience delivered on home soil for the very first time. The 120 participants were selected from a record 2,100 applicants.
Participants underwent intensive classroom instruction, ensemble training, specialist lectures, and one-on-one scholarship interviews led by six Berklee faculty members, covering genres including Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, and fusion. The programme combined theory with real-world application music production, songwriting, sound engineering, harmony, ear training, music publishing, copyright, and elements of entertainment law. (LIONSCRIB)
The Grand Finale
The Grand Finale Concert and Graduation/Award Ceremony was held at the National Theatre in Lagos, hosted by Darey Art Alade and Kiekie. Performances blended classics from Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis with contemporary influences such as Ayra Starr, Masego, and Ne-Yo. Guest performances by Loud Urban Choir and singer Teni further energized the audience.
Tiwa Savage's Vision
Tiwa Savage, a Berklee alumna herself (Class of 2007), spearheaded the initiative to connect Africa's music industry with global education standards. In her words:
"We don't lack talent in Nigeria; we have so much talent. What I want to do is create access so that people with talent can find the right infrastructure and education, and also serve as a bridge and pipeline to the rest of the world."
A Historic First
Berklee President Jim Lucchese described the programme as "the first-ever Berklee on the Road in Nigeria," adding that it will "continue to increase access to Berklee's curriculum around the world."
Bonus Moment
Beyond the awards, the event generated buzz on social media when Tiwa Savage and singer Seyi Shay were seen embracing signaling a reconciliation after their well-publicized 2021 confrontation.
Organizers say future editions are expected, signaling a sustained commitment to nurturing the next generation of African music talent.
A truly landmark moment for Nigerian and African music!
Mustapha Bature Sallama.
Medical/ Science Communicator,
Private Investigator, Criminal investigation and Intelligence Analysis.
International Conflict Management and Peace Building.USIP
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+233-555-275-880
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