Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has selected 100 young talents for specialized training under her newly launched Tiwa Savage Music Foundation.
The foundation was unveiled on Monday evening in Lagos, aiming to develop emerging music talents and strengthen infrastructure within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The launch, held at The Delborough Lagos, drew celebrities, industry stakeholders, and government officials. Notable attendees included Don Jazzy, Mo Abudu, Johnny Drille, Cobhams Asuquo, as well as Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Daisy Danjuma, and Shade Okoya.
The foundation was created to address critical gaps in education and infrastructure within Nigeria’s music industry. Its programs will focus on multiple aspects of the music ecosystem, including film scoring, music publishing, music therapy, production, and sound engineering.
Through the initiative, young creatives will gain global exposure and professional training across different areas of the music business. The selected 100 participants will take part in a four-day intensive program, conducted in partnership with Berklee College of Music, providing specialized instruction and mentorship.
“The opportunity is already paid for. So, my advice is to use it wisely because opportunity favours the prepared,” she said.
“This is the first of many years. If you don’t get in this year, you will have the chance to prepare for the next editions.”
Savage also stressed the importance of government support in strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.
“In anything you do, you will always need the support and blessing of the government,” she said.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu said he attended the event to celebrate Savage and support the foundation.
“You know what it is about. Today is her day. She’s one of our best, so, I have to support her,” the governor said.
Also speaking, Pastor Bolaji Idowu said the foundation would create hope and opportunities for many aspiring creatives.
“It will bring smiles to people and provide the right strategy for rising in the industry,” he said.
Idowu said love, kindness and unity remained essential values for society regardless of religious differences.
Johnny Drille, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer, described Savage as an outstanding artiste who had made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian music industry for more than a decade.
“Tiwa has been an amazing artiste for over a decade and it is inspiring to see her bring something incredible to the Nigerian music scene,” he said.
Drille expressed hope that the initiative would help elevate professionalism and creativity within the industry.
Mo Abudu, Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife Group, said she was inspired to attend the event and celebrate Savage’s new initiative.
“I’m really inspired to celebrate with my darling Tiwa Savage tonight. I have known her for years and we have worked on several projects,” she said.
According to Abudu, the foundation will help nurture emerging talents and support the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
“If you can think it, you can do it,” she advised young creatives.
Mrs Folasade Okoya, Chief Executive Officer of Eleganza Group, congratulated Savage on the launch of the foundation and wished her success.
She said the support shown by guests at the event would help the initiative grow and make lasting impact in the music industry.