In a landmark moment for music education in Africa, eighteen emerging Nigerian musicians have been awarded merit scholarships worth over $2.1 million to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts — and the woman who made it happen is one of Berklee’s own alumni.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, in partnership with Berklee College of Music, concluded the inaugural Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme — marking Berklee’s first appearance in Nigeria. The programme ran from April 22 to 26, 2026, and the scholarships were formally announced at a grand finale concert and awards ceremony held at the iconic National Theatre in Lagos.
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The scale of interest from young Nigerian creatives was staggering. A total of 120 emerging singers, songwriters, producers, and music professionals were selected from a record 2,100 applicants to participate in the intensive programme. Sessions were held at the MUSON Centre School of Music in Lagos, where participants underwent daily training from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., combining lectures, workshops, ensemble rehearsals, mentorship, and one-on-one scholarship interviews, with practical instruction spanning live performance, songwriting, music production, stagecraft, and the business of music.
At the close of the programme, 18 standout participants were selected to receive the life-changing scholarships. The beneficiaries are expected to undergo a three-year academic programme at Berklee’s campus in Boston, where they will further develop their craft under the guidance of internationally recognised instructors and industry professionals.