Tiwa Savage unveils foundation to train emerging music talents

Afrobeats artist Tiwa Savage has chosen 100 emerging talents for focused training through the newly launched Tiwa Savage Music Foundation.

Savage introduced the foundation on Monday evening in Lagos as a means to nurture young music artists and enhance the infrastructure of Nigeria’s creative sector.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the launch event took place at The Delborough Lagos and was attended by celebrities, industry leaders, and government representatives.

Among the notable attendees were Don Jazzy, Mo Abudu, Johnny Drille, and Cobhams Asuquo.

Other distinguished guests included Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Daisy Danjuma, and Shade Okoya.

During an interview on the red carpet, Savage mentioned that the foundation was established to fill significant voids in education and infrastructure within the music sector in Nigeria.

“We possess an abundance of talent in Nigeria, but it is essential to create infrastructure and invest in education so that when people witness our talent, they also see opportunities,” she stated.

She indicated that the foundation would concentrate on multiple facets of the music ecosystem.

The program will include areas such as film scoring, music publishing, music therapy, production, and sound engineering.

Savage noted that the foundation aims to offer international exposure and vocational training for young artists in various sectors of the music industry.

She revealed that 100 selected young individuals would engage in a four-day intensive program.

The chosen participants, as she mentioned, would be part of a specialized training initiative organized in collaboration with Berklee College of Music.

“The opportunity is fully funded. Therefore, my suggestion is to utilize it wisely, as readiness attracts opportunity,” she stated.

“This marks the beginning of many yearly offerings. If you don’t get selected this year, you will have the opportunity to prepare for future editions.”

Savage emphasized the necessity of government assistance in enhancing Nigeria’s creative economy.

“In any endeavor, the support and endorsement of the government will always be essential,” she remarked.

In his comments, Sanwo-Olu expressed his presence at the event to honor Savage and endorse the foundation.

“You know the significance. Today is her day. She’s one of our finest, and I must support her,” declared the governor.

Pastor Bolaji Idowu also spoke, expressing that the foundation would generate hope and opportunities for numerous aspiring artists.

“It will bring joy to many and present the right strategy for advancement in the industry,” he remarked.

Idowu stated that love, kindness, and unity are vital values for society irrespective of religious beliefs.

Johnny Drille, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer, referred to Savage as an exceptional artist who has significantly impacted the Nigerian music industry for over ten years.

“Tiwa has been an incredible artist for more than a decade, and it is motivational to witness her contribute something remarkable to the Nigerian music landscape,” he commented.

Drille voiced his optimism that this initiative would enhance professionalism and creativity within the industry.

Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Group, mentioned that she felt inspired to attend the event and honor Savage’s new project.
“I am truly motivated to celebrate alongside my beloved Tiwa Savage this evening. I have been acquainted with her for many years, and we have collaborated on multiple projects,” she remarked.

As stated by Abudu, the foundation is designed to foster emerging talent and assist the upcoming generation of Nigerian music artists.

“You are capable of achieving anything you can envision,” she encouraged aspiring creatives.

Mrs. Folasade Okoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Eleganza Group, expressed her congratulations to Savage on the foundation's inauguration and wished her great success.

She noted that the support from attendees at the event would contribute to the initiative’s development and create a sustainable influence on the music scene.

According to NAN, the foundation is focused on offering education, mentorship, and global exposure for young creatives pursuing careers in various sectors of the music industry.