Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has selected 100 young talents for specialised training under the newly unveiled Tiwa Savage Music Foundation.
Savage unveiled the foundation on Monday evening in Lagos as part of efforts to develop young music talents and strengthen infrastructure within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the launch event, held at The Delborough Lagos, attracted celebrities, industry stakeholders and government officials.
Notable guests included Don Jazzy, Mo Abudu, Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo.
Other dignitaries were Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Daisy Danjuma and Shade Okoya.
Speaking on the red carpet, Savage said the foundation was created to address critical gaps in education and infrastructure within 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 her, the foundation will focus on several aspects of the music ecosystem.
She said the programme would cover film scoring, music publishing, music therapy, production and sound engineering.
Savage said the foundation would provide global exposure and professional training for young creatives across different areas of the music business.
She disclosed that 100 young talents would participate in a four-day intensive programme.
The selected participants, she said, would study under a specialised training programme organised 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 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.
Chief Executive Officer of Eleganza Group, Mrs. Folasade Okoya, congratulated Savage on the launch of the foundation and wished her success.
She said the support from guests at the event would help the initiative grow and make a lasting impact on the music industry.
NAN reports that the foundation aims to provide education, mentorship, and international exposure for young creatives seeking careers across various aspects of the music industry.
NAN
