By Rita Okoye
The first edition of the “Berklee in Nigeria” program, an initiative of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation led by Tiwa Savage, wrapped up in Lagos with a lively showcase celebrating creativity, talent development, and global opportunities for young Nigerian musicians. The week-long program, organized in partnership with the renowned Berklee College of Music, brought together over 100 emerging artists for an intensive bootcamp designed to equip participants with top-tier music training and industry-relevant skills.
The grand finale, which included a concert and awards ceremony, drew prominent figures from the entertainment industry, such as Rita Dominic, Nancy Isime, Yeni Kuti, Tobi Bakre, and Waje, all of whom supported the initiative’s goal of nurturing the next wave of music stars.
Hosted by Darey Art Alade and Kiekie, the event showcased participants’ original songs developed during the program. Supported by live instrumentation, these performances reflected Berklee’s hands-on training style and displayed a rich mix of Afrobeats, R&B, soul, jazz, and contemporary Nigerian sounds.
Outside the stage, participants received intensive training, mentorship, and professional development classes to transform raw talent into industry readiness. For many, it was their first exposure to structured, globally competitive music education.
A key highlight of the night was the awarding of 18 scholarships valued at $2.3 million to exceptional participants, giving them the chance to study at Berklee College of Music in the U.S. This milestone opened new doors for their international music careers.
The “Berklee in Nigeria” program signifies a strategic investment in Nigeria’s creative industry, combining local talent with global expertise. Following its successful launch, the initiative is set to expand opportunities for aspiring artists and bolster Nigeria’s role in the global music scene.
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