Tiwa Savage has spent over a decade building a reputation as one of Africa’s leading figures in music. Her extensive and highly accomplished career, which started to take off around 2012, following her relocation from the United Kingdom to Nigeria, has been aided by her exceptional talent and, crucially, a strong music education that provided her with a sophisticated foundation and technical prowess that set her apart from many of her peers. 

In a recent interview with Forbes, the award-winning singer acknowledged the importance of her time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, revealing that it provided her with world-class training and creative confidence. “I’ve always known when I was leaving Berklee that I would love to give that opportunity that I had to other creators in Africa,” she added. 

Almost two decades after her Berklee graduation, the 46-year-old opened the doors to the Tiwa Savage Foundation, in collaboration with her alma mater, an initiative founded with the aim of discovering and developing the next generation of African music creatives. Running from April 22nd to 26th, the maiden edition of the initiative welcomed 120 participants, who were selected through an audition process, across music production, songwriting, live performance, and the business of music. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship, and collaborative sessions, the attendees engaged in a diverse range of interactive activities integrated into the Berklee faculty curriculum.

Adedayo, a drummer who had been looking at advancing his music knowledge at an international institution, found the opportunity very timely. “A day before I saw Tiwa Savage’s post [on Instagram], I was looking up scholarship opportunities abroad. I wanted to study music business, and I saw that Berklee is the best place to study that course,” he said, explaining his motivation for applying for the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation. “The following day, I saw Tiwa Savage’s post on Instagram, and it felt so surreal.” 

Mutay and Irene, two vocalist friends from Port Harcourt, shared a similar sense of gratitude for the timely opportunity after successfully passing the auditions. Throughout the various workshops and sessions, they noted how forthcoming and supportive the Berklee professors and tutors were in their interactions. “It’s been nothing like I’ve experienced before, the tutors and professors are so free. It’s very educative and fun at the same time,” Mutay says. 

Adedayo expressed a similar sentiment, commending the professionalism and excellence displayed by the Berklee staff. “The fact that the actual professors from the institution came down here is fantastic. They haven’t held back at all; they are eager to teach and answer our questions.” 

Reflecting on the experience, the professors also expressed a sense of appreciation and honour to be part of the initiative, noting the eagerness and amount of potential that the participants possessed. “It has been a privilege and honour because this is my first time here in Africa,” Professor Dennis Montgomery III, the director for the Berklee College of Music Reverence Gospel Ensemble, says of his experience participating in the initiative. “It’s been very positive. It feels good to meet people of colour and know there’s a lot of talent over here that’s unfortunately untapped. It, however, doesn’t surprise me at the amount of talent.”

Nicehelle Mungo, a multi-year Grammy Music Educator nominee and Associate Professor at Berklee, also agreed with Professor Dennis Montgomery III, pointing out that the eagerness of the participants is what stands out to her the most. “They have come here, and you can tell they are hungry for something greater,” she says. “What I also love is that they know they have something to offer. If they’re given the opportunity to present what they have to offer, they are going to soar. The fact that they are receptive and eager to learn means a lot.” 

The inaugural edition of the initiative reached its conclusion with a ceremonial finale at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, previously known as the National Theatre. The closing event, which took place on April 26, served as a vibrant showcase of the week’s progress, featuring original compositions crafted by the participants and guest performances from Teni the Entertainer and Loud Choir. Tiwa Savage also delivered a stirring speech on the evening, admonishing the participants that: “Talent may open the door, but character, preparation, and discipline is what is going to keep you in that room” 

The program concluded on a transformative note, as 18 standout participants were awarded scholarships totalling $2.3 million to continue their studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.