Tiwa Savage has made it clear that she has no intention of stepping away from music anytime soon.
The Nigerian singer shared this during an exclusive interview with Naija News at the launch of her music foundation, an initiative designed to support young African creatives trying to find their way in the music industry.
Speaking about her journey, Tiwa Savage recalled her time at Berklee College of Music, where she studied on a scholarship.
“I went to Berklee College of Music as a scholarship student. Someone believed in me enough to invest in my future when I didn’t have the resources to invest in myself, and that decision completely changed the direction of my life,” she said.
According to the singer, the experience helped her learn not only music but also the business side of the industry and how to turn talent into a sustainable career.
Tiwa Savage explained that launching the foundation comes at a stage in her career where she now has the influence, industry connections, and credibility needed to build a meaningful initiative.
“Now I’m at a stage where I have the platform, the relationships, and the credibility to establish something real — a well-structured and lasting initiative. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come early in a career; it comes after putting in the work, building trust, and earning the right to attach your name to something meaningful,” she noted.
Reflecting on her personal journey, the award-winning singer said the foundation also highlights a part of her story many people often overlook.
“People see the stages, the collaborations, the covers, and the awards, and they assume the journey was straightforward. It wasn’t. I was once a student who needed a scholarship to access the education that transformed my life. That support meant everything,” she said.
She added that the initiative aims to help young African creatives who have the talent but lack access to proper guidance and opportunities.
Tiwa Savage also stressed the importance of understanding the business side of entertainment.
“A career in this industry — or any industry — requires more than talent. It requires knowledge: understanding your rights, your contracts, and your value. I want young creatives to have those tools from the start instead of learning them the hard way,” she said.
Responding to speculation that the foundation might signal a shift away from music, the singer dismissed the idea.
“The foundation doesn’t exist apart from my music career — it exists because of it. Every stage I’ve performed on and every record I’ve released has led me to a place where I can now do something like this with credibility,” she explained.
“If anything, this makes me even more committed to music. Every time I perform or release a song, I’m also representing something bigger — a foundation and a generation of young African creatives who are watching and deciding whether to believe in their own dreams.”