By Esther Onyegbula

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Daisy Danjuma and social entrepreneur Layal Tinubu were among prominent personalities who attended the official launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation (TSMF) by Afrobeats star, Tiwa Savage, in Lagos.

The foundation was unveiled at an intimate black-tie ceremony held Monday at The Delborough Hotel Lagos, drawing leading figures from Nigeria’s music, business and creative sectors.

Also present at the event were music producer Don Jazzy, business leader Reni Folawiyo, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, entertainment executive Cecil Hammond, music manager Bose Ogulu, Vanessa Amadi-Ogbonna, Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, businesswoman Shade Okoya, Lagos State Commissioner Toke Benson, and media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, among other dignitaries.

The launch marked the beginning of what Savage described as a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening Africa’s music ecosystem by expanding professional training and access to industry opportunities.

According to the organisers, the foundation was established on the premise that Africa’s music industry requires more than performing artists to thrive.

They noted that professionals such as producers, sound engineers, songwriters, entertainment lawyers, publishers and executives form the backbone of the industry, yet structured access to training for these careers remains limited across the continent.

Speaking at the event, Savage said the initiative was designed to bridge that gap and equip young creatives with the knowledge and resources required to compete globally.
She said: “Talent is universal but access is not. For too long, African creatives have been perceived as late to global systems. Education changes that. Access changes that. Ownership changes that.”

As part of its flagship initiative, the foundation announced a partnership with Berklee College of Music to host the Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme in Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026.

The four-day programme will provide intensive training for 100 selected participants in areas including live performance, songwriting, music production and the business of music.

Organisers disclosed that the programme will be tuition-free for all accepted participants, with applications open until March 20.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is focused on empowering emerging talent through music education and creative opportunities by providing access to world-class training, mentorship and resources across Africa, particularly for underrepresented and underserved communities.

Rooted in the belief that music is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence and social change, the foundation aims to nurture the next generation of creatives while opening pathways to sustainable careers within the music and creative industries.

Through strategic partnerships, community-driven programmes and targeted initiatives, the foundation said it hopes to create lasting impact and expand access to opportunities for African creatives within the global music landscape.