The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation has officially graduated the Berklee in Nigeria Class of 2026, marking a major milestone in music education and talent development on the continent. The four-day intensive programme, held from April 22 to 26, 2026, concluded with a grand finale concert and award ceremony at the iconic National Theatre Lagos.
The initiative, a partnership with Berklee College of Music, brought world-class music training directly to Nigeria for the first time, creating a direct pipeline between local talent and global opportunities.
A Record-Breaking Programme
The 2026 edition drew over 2,100 applications, making it the largest applicant pool ever recorded for Berklee’s global “On the Road” programmes. From this, 120 emerging Nigerian artists were selected to participate in the tuition-free intensive held at the MUSON Centre School of Music.
Over four days, participants received hands-on training in performance, songwriting, music production, and the music business. The curriculum spanned multiple genres, including Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, and fusion, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s music scene.
Led by a team of Berklee faculty, including Dennis Montgomery III, Yoron Israel, Nichelle Mungo, Tyrone Chase, and Anthony Nembhard, the programme combined classroom instruction, ensemble practice, and one-on-one scholarship interviews.
A Night of Music and Opportunity
The programme culminated in a high-energy grand finale attended by over 3,000 people, including industry executives, cultural leaders, and artists. Hosted by Darey Art Alade and Kiekie, the event blended live performance with a graduation-style ceremony.
Students took to the stage to perform original compositions developed during the programme, backed by a full live band. One standout moment included a powerful choral performance by The Loud Choir, which delivered a moving rendition of Adekunle Gold’s “Many People.”
The night also featured surprise appearances, including a performance by Teni, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Over $2 Million in Scholarships Awarded
The most defining moment of the evening was the announcement of over $2 million in scholarships. Eighteen standout participants were selected to receive various awards, including full three-year undergraduate scholarships to study at Berklee’s Boston campus.
Other recipients secured placements in Berklee’s summer programmes, as well as in-country support designed to help bridge educational gaps locally.
Selections were based on both private scholarship interviews and overall performance throughout the programme.
Building a Global Bridge for African Talent
Beyond the performances and awards, the Berklee in Nigeria initiative represents a larger shift in how African talent is discovered and developed. By bringing its institutional curriculum and faculty to Lagos, Berklee has effectively reduced the barriers between emerging African artists and global music education.
For Tiwa Savage, who serves as Artistic Advisor, the foundation’s mission goes beyond training artists, it is about building future leaders within the music industry.
Supported by partners including Flutterwave, PepsiCo, and the Lagos State Government, the programme highlights the growing role of strategic collaborations in shaping Africa’s creative economy.
A New Standard for Music Development in Africa
As the curtain falls on the Berklee in Nigeria Class of 2026, the impact of the programme is already clear. From a record-breaking number of applicants to life-changing scholarship opportunities, the initiative has set a new benchmark for music education on the continent.
More importantly, it signals a future where African artists are not just participants in the global music industry, but key contributors shaping its direction.
