Tiwa Savage brought glamour and purpose to Lagos on Monday evening, launching the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation in a star studded event designed to celebrate 100 selected young music talents. The launch aimed to highlight the foundation’s mission to develop Nigeria’s creative industry through education, mentorship, and global exposure.
The event, held at The Delborough Lagos, attracted industry leaders, celebrities, and government dignitaries. Guests included Don Jazzy, Mo Abudu, Johnny Drille, and Cobhams Asuquo, alongside notable figures such as Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Florence Ita-Giwa, Daisy Danjuma, and Shade Okoya.
Speaking on the red carpet, Savage said the foundation was designed to tackle gaps in education and infrastructure within Nigeria’s music sector.
“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, emphasizing the importance of opportunity for young creatives.
The launch highlighted the foundation’s training programme, which will focus on areas like film scoring, music publishing, music therapy, production, and sound engineering, offering participants professional instruction and international exposure through a partnership with Berklee College of Music.
Savage told attendees that the first cohort of 100 talents would take part in a four-day intensive programme, urging them to maximise the opportunity.
“The opportunity is already paid for. So, my advice is to use it wisely because opportunity favours the prepared,” she said.
The event also featured speeches from supporters who praised the singer’s commitment to the industry. Governor Sanwo-Olu described Savage as one of Nigeria’s leading talents and said he attended to celebrate her initiative.
“You know what it is about. Today is her day. She’s one of our best, so I have to support her,” he said.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu noted that the foundation would provide hope and a structured path for aspiring creatives, adding that values like love, kindness, and unity were essential for society.
Johnny Drille praised Savage’s decade-long contributions to Nigerian music and expressed optimism that the foundation would elevate professionalism and creativity across the industry.
Mo Abudu and Folasade Okoya also congratulated Savage, highlighting how the foundation could nurture emerging talent and strengthen Nigeria’s global creative footprint.
The launch underscored the foundation’s goal to provide education, mentorship, and international exposure for young creatives, offering practical tools and industry insight for Nigeria’s next generation of music stars.
Ademide Adebayo