Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for sustained support for Nigeria’s entertainment and creative sectors, describing creativity as an ever-evolving process that cannot be exhausted. The governor made the remarks during the official launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation by Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage at The Delborough Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on March 9, 2026.
“Creativity is creativity. Every year, every day, it grows. There’s always a new idea, new music, new dance. So you can never end creativity. Where she ends is where others will start,” Sanwo-Olu said. He added that the foundation represents an important step toward opening doors for upcoming talent in the music industry.
The governor commended Savage for establishing a platform to discover and nurture emerging African musicians, noting that it reflects her desire to provide opportunities similar to those she received in her own career.
“She is one of the country’s best. More importantly, she knows there are so many artists and creatives who probably haven’t had the opportunities she has had. This foundation will help develop their capacity through professional training and mentorship,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the scope of the foundation, which aims to provide training across multiple areas of the music ecosystem, including production, mixing, sound engineering, songwriting, music publishing, film scoring, and music therapy.
“What she’s using the foundation for is to develop capacity, offer high-level training, and expose young talents to different types of music. It’s commendable when you can inspire and replicate yourself in others,” the governor noted.
The Lagos State Government has also been active in supporting the creative sector, according to Sanwo-Olu, through partnerships with institutions such as Del York Studios, Ogidi Studios, and media platforms like EbonyLife. These initiatives include funding for training programs in music, fashion, and Nollywood, providing grants, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation seeks to bridge the gap between talent and access, offering professional education, mentorship, and global exposure to African creatives. Its inaugural program, the ‘Emerging Musician Intensive,’ will select 100 participants for a four-day training session in Lagos from April 23–26, 2026, in partnership with Savage’s alma mater, Berklee College of Music. Participants will gain hands-on instruction in performance, songwriting, production, and music business, with select individuals eligible for full scholarships to study at Berklee, including accommodation.
The launch attracted a host of prominent figures from entertainment, business, and public life, including media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, talent manager Bose Ogulu, television personality Toke Makinwa, and musician Darey Art Alade. Other attendees included socialite Yeni Kuti, singer Johnny Drille and his wife, entrepreneur Shade Okoya, and executives such as Olasupo Olusi and Adaora Umeoji.
With its launch, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is set to become a key platform for discovering, training, and connecting African music talent to global opportunities.