Precious Obogo
120 of Nigeria’s most talented emerging artists, selected from over 2,100 applications, begin intensive training with Berklee faculty on 22 April, closing with a live concert and the on-stage award of full three-year Berklee scholarships on Sunday 26 April
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation (TSMF), in partnership with Berklee College of Music, will this week deliver the first full instalment of Berklee in Nigeria: Class of 2026, the fully funded, five-day music education programme that formally extends Berklee’s institutional curriculum and faculty onto the African continent for the first time.
From 22 to 26 April 2026, 120 exceptionally talented emerging Nigerian artists, selected from over 2,100 applications, the largest applicant pool Berklee on the Road has ever received globally, will undergo intensive classroom instruction, one-on-one Berklee scholarship interviews, ensemble practice, and specialist lectures taught by six members of Berklee’s leading faculty. The week culminates in a free, live Grand Finale Concert and Award Ceremony at the National Theatre, Lagos on Sunday 26 April, where select students will be presented with full three-year undergraduate scholarships to Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.
The four day music program taking place at the Muson School of Music, will be delivered by Dennis Montgomery (Academic Director, Professor of Ensembles), Yoron Israel (Chair of Percussion), Tyrone Chase (Assistant Chair of Ensembles), Nichelle Mungo (Associate Professor of Voice), Anthony Nembhard (Assistant Professor of Ensembles), and Jason Camelio (Program Director and Assistant Vice President of Global Programs and Partnerships). Over four days, students will work across Afrobeats, R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Jazz, and fusion genres, with original compositions developed during the week performed at the Grand Finale.
On Sunday 26 April, the Grand Finale Concert and Award Ceremony at the National Theatre, Nigeria’s most iconic cultural venue, will bring together a 3,000-person audience of music industry executives, cultural leaders, artists, and public attendees. The evening will feature live performances by the Berklee in Nigeria Class of 2026 accompanied by a full live band, original compositions developed during the week, a graduation-style ceremony, and the on-stage presentation of full three-year Berklee College of Music scholarships. The ceremony will be hosted by Darey Art Alade and Kiekie, with surprise special guests to be announced.
The programme is made possible through the support of the Foundation’s main sponsor, Flutterwave, alongside a prestigious group of partners including PepsiCo, The Delborough Lagos, MUSON Centre, and the Noella Foundation. The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is also proud to collaborate with the Bank of Industry, the Lagos State Government, Mich & Harry, the LIRS, and Mama Cass.
GRAND FINALE CONCERT & AWARD CEREMONY
Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
Venue: The National Theatre, Lagos
Time: Doors open at 3:00 PM; concert runs 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tickets: Free, available via TIX.AFRICA
Hosts: Darey Art Alade and Kiekie, with surprise special guests