Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has unveiled the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, announcing that 100 young creatives have been selected for specialised training through the initiative.
Savage introduced the foundation on Monday evening in Lagos as part of efforts to nurture emerging music talents and strengthen the structure of Nigeria’s creative industry.
The launch event, held at The Delborough Lagos, drew several celebrities, music industry stakeholders and government officials.
Among the notable guests were Don Jazzy, Mo Abudu, Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Florence Ita-Giwa, Daisy Danjuma and Shade Okoya.
Speaking during the event, Savage explained that the foundation was created to tackle key challenges related to education and infrastructure in Nigeria’s music industry.
“We have so much talent in Nigeria, but we must build infrastructure and invest in education so that when people see our talent, they also see access,” she said.
According to the singer, the initiative will support different aspects of the music ecosystem. These include film scoring, music publishing, music therapy, production and sound engineering.
Savage noted that the foundation would offer professional training and international exposure to young creatives looking to build careers within the music business.
She revealed that the first batch of participants would undergo a four-day intensive programme.
The training will be conducted in partnership with Berklee College of Music.
“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 highlighted the importance of government backing in expanding 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 launch to show support for the singer and the initiative.
“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, Bolaji Idowu said the initiative would inspire hope and create opportunities for aspiring creatives.
“It will bring smiles to people and provide the right strategy for rising in the industry,” he said.
Idowu also stressed that love, kindness and unity remain important values in society regardless of religious differences.
Singer Johnny Drille described Savage as a remarkable artiste who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s music scene 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 optimism that the initiative would help improve professionalism and creativity within the industry.
Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu also praised the singer, saying she was delighted to attend the event and celebrate the launch.
“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 play a key role in nurturing upcoming talents and supporting the next generation of Nigerian music stars.
“If you can think it, you can do it,” she advised young creatives.
Also speaking, Folasade Okoya, Chief Executive Officer of Eleganza Group, congratulated Savage and wished the foundation success.
She noted that the strong support shown by guests at the launch would help the initiative grow and make a meaningful impact in the music industry.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation aims to provide education, mentorship and global exposure for young creatives seeking careers across various areas of the music business.
