Tiwa Savage Champions Nigerian Artists with Scholarships

What does success truly mean? For Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage, it’s increasingly about giving back and empowering the next generation. Having experienced the transformative power of music education herself, Savage is now dedicated to ensuring emerging Nigerian artists have the same opportunities to shine on a global stage.

From Business to Berklee: Tiwa’s Musical Journey

Savage’s own path to stardom is a testament to her passion. After starting as a backup singer for legends like George Michael at just 17, she initially pursued business administration at the University of Kent in England, even working at the Royal Bank of Scotland. However, the call of music was too strong to ignore, leading her back to her true calling at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Reflecting on her time at Berklee, Savage recalled how the energy of younger students reignited her own passion. “I needed that fresh air, that atmosphere. I kind of felt like a 19-year-old,” she shared, inspired by their unyielding drive and willingness to chase their dreams without hesitation.

Bringing Berklee’s Excellence to Nigeria

Now a global superstar, Savage recognizes that true fulfillment comes from creating a legacy that outlives one’s career. She noticed a distinct lack of African students during her time at Berklee and felt a strong calling to bridge that gap. “I knew that I was either going to bring Berklee to Nigeria or find a way to get more African students to be able to have this opportunity,” she told CNN.

This vision has now materialized into the ‘Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program.’ This four-day, no-cost initiative, held in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to equip aspiring musicians with essential skills. Supported by her Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, the program selects 120 emerging artists from thousands of applicants nationwide.

Empowering Creatives with Industry Knowledge

The intensive program covers crucial aspects of the music industry, including performance, songwriting, production, and music business. Savage, serving as an artistic advisor, stresses the importance of artists understanding ownership, copyright, licensing, and negotiation. “A lot of times what you find with talent or creatives, because they don’t know better, they tend to settle for that, and that’s not fair and you can’t really compete globally like that,” she explained.

The program requires participants to be at least 18, have a year of instrumental or vocal experience, and not be current Berklee students. While participants cover their own travel and housing, the rewards are immense. This year’s program, which ran from April 22-26, culminated in certificates for all attendees and, most significantly, awarded 18 students life-changing scholarships totaling over $2 million for their undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

“Seeing 18 of our students receive life-changing scholarships to Berklee in Boston is proof that our talent is truly global,” Savage expressed, highlighting the foundation’s goal to bring world-class music education to Nigeria.

• Tiwa Savage partners with Berklee College of Music for a Nigerian program.
• The initiative offers scholarships and intensive music education.
• Focus on performance, songwriting, production, and music business.
• Emphasis on artists understanding ownership and copyright.
• 18 students received scholarships totaling over $2 million.
• Goal is to bring global music education standards to Nigeria.