Tiwa Savage Launches the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation in Landmark Partnership with Berklee College of Music to Empower Emerging African Talen

Internationally acclaimed Afrobeats superstar, songwriter, and Berklee College of Music alumna Tiwa Savage today announced the official launch of the **Tiwa Savage Music Foundation**, a transformative new initiative dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of African music creatives.

The foundation's mission is to provide access, mentorship, and world-class music education to emerging talents across the continent, building a stronger ecosystem for artists, songwriters, producers, sound engineers, music executives, and other behind-the-scenes professionals. Drawing from her own journey—where a scholarship to Berklee at age 24 provided her with unparalleled training and creative confidence—Tiwa Savage aims to bring similar opportunities closer to home and support the sustainable growth of Afrobeats and African music globally.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation has partnered with **Berklee College of Music**, the world's leading institution for contemporary music education, to deliver its renowned teaching methodology directly to Nigeria for the first time. The flagship program, **Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program**, will take place in Lagos from **April 23–26, 2026**. This fully funded, four-day immersive intensive will train **100 emerging music creators** selected on merit, offering hands-on experience in musicianship, live performance, songwriting, music production, industry business, and more. Participants will connect with Berklee faculty and industry leaders, guided by the artistic expertise of Tiwa Savage herself (Professional Diploma in Music, Class of 2007).

“This is about more than just talent—it's about building structures and access so our young creatives can thrive right here at home,” said Tiwa Savage. “Afrobeats has taken the world by storm, but sustainable success requires education, mentorship, and global standards. Through this foundation and our partnership with Berklee, we're giving the next generation the tools to own their future, create ownership, and shape the sound of tomorrow.”

Applications for the program are now open, with details available on the Berklee website. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity, focusing on both on-stage and off-stage roles to strengthen the entire music ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation envisions long-term efforts, including potential expansion to a permanent music education facility in Africa offering Berklee-caliber training on the continent.

For more information, visit the official Berklee in Nigeria program page or follow @TiwaSavage and @BerkleeCollege on social media.

**About Tiwa Savage**  

Tiwa Savage is one of Africa's most influential artists, known for her groundbreaking contributions to Afrobeats as a singer, songwriter, and performer. A Berklee alumna, she continues to champion education and empowerment in the music industry.

**About the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation**  

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is committed to empowering emerging African creatives through accessible, high-quality music education, mentorship, and opportunities.

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Fido Issues Heartfelt Public Apology: “I Messed Up. I Allowed Ego Influence My Decision

Fast-rising Afrobeats sensation **Fido** (real name Awosika Olayemi Josiah), the acclaimed singer behind the hit single “Joy Is Coming,” has released a candid and emotional public apology addressing recent controversies, online backlash, and criticisms surrounding his conduct during his meteoric rise to fame.

In a lengthy statement shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on February 23, 2026, Fido openly admitted to allowing **ego**, **excitement**, and **inexperience** to cloud his judgment, leading to words and actions that disappointed fans, colleagues, and the broader Afrobeats community.

“There’s no easy way to write this, so I’ll just say it plainly. I messed up,” Fido wrote. “I allowed ego, excitement and inexperience to influence some of my decisions. That’s not who I want to be, and it’s not who I’m becoming.”

The apology comes after months of public scrutiny following his breakout success in 2024 and continued momentum into 2025–2026. Fido reflected on how the rapid pace of stardom left him unprepared for the responsibilities and pressures that accompany fame, resulting in statements and behaviors he now deeply regrets.

“Stardom came fast, and while the world watched me grow, I was still figuring out who I was,” he continued. “Along the way, I made mistakes. I said things that should never have been said… To my fans, the ones who stream the music, defend me, pray for me, and believe in me, I am sorry. To the global Afrobeats community, the legends and godfathers who opened these doors before me, my colleagues and everyone who felt disappointed by my words or actions, I apologise.”

Fido emphasized personal growth and accountability, stating that he has taken time for reflection and learning. He pledged to return with greater maturity, awareness, and respect for the platform he has been given.

“The man walking into this next chapter is more grounded, more aware, and more respectful of the platform he’s been given,” he concluded.

The statement has elicited a range of reactions across social media, with many fans and industry observers commending Fido for his humility and willingness to take responsibility during a challenging period in his young career. Others have expressed support for his continued musical journey, noting that growth is part of the artistic process.

Fido rose to prominence with soulful, relatable Afrobeats tracks that resonated widely with Nigerian and international audiences. His apology marks a turning point as he prepares for what he describes as a more intentional and respectful phase of his career.

Asake Crowned Nigeria’s Most-Streamed Artist of All Time on Spotify

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation **Ahmed Ololade**, popularly known as **Asake**, has been officially recognized as the **most-streamed artist of all time** on Spotify in Nigeria. This milestone was announced by Spotify as the platform celebrates five years of operations in the country, highlighting the explosive growth of homegrown music and Asake's unparalleled dominance in the streaming era.

Since his breakout debut in 2022, Asake has captivated listeners across Nigeria and beyond with his signature blend of Amapiano-infused Afrobeats, streetwise lyrics, and infectious energy. In just four short years, he has surpassed global icons to claim the top spot on Spotify Nigeria's all-time most-streamed artists list, ahead of legends including **Wizkid** (No. 2), **Seyi Vibez** (No. 3), **Burna Boy** (No. 4), and **Davido** (No. 5).

Adding to the celebration, Asake's hit single **“Remember”** has been crowned the **most-streamed song of all time** on Spotify Nigeria. The track, a fan favorite known for its emotional depth and catchy production, leads the platform's all-time songs chart, with additional Asake tracks like **“Lonely at the Top”** featuring prominently in the top rankings. Multiple reports confirm that “Remember” has surpassed **100 million streams** on Spotify, marking it as one of his six songs to reach this impressive milestone.

Spotify's data release underscores the massive impact of Nigerian music, with users in the country logging over **1.4 billion hours** of listening in 2025 alone and creating more than **25 million playlists**. The platform's young, digitally savvy audience (average listener age: 26) has propelled Afrobeats to new heights, and Asake stands at the forefront of this cultural movement.

“This achievement belongs to the fans who have streamed, shared, and vibed with the music nonstop,” said Asake in response to the news. “From day one, it’s been about connecting with the streets and giving them something real. To be No. 1 all-time in Nigeria on Spotify is a dream come true—thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey.”

The milestone reinforces Asake's status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music, with monthly listeners exceeding **8.6 million** on Spotify and a catalog that continues to dominate charts year after year.

Ray Emodi quits acting for music, opens up on traumatic movie sets experiences

 Nollywood actor, Ray Emodi has announced his exit from the film industry, citing traumatic experiences on movie sets and family pressures as key reasons for his decision.

In a candid Instagram video message, Emodi revealed that some of his filming experiences were life-threatening.

He recounted filming in a town plagued by violence, where gunshots could be heard while on set.

“I have stopped acting in films. I quit. There was a time I never thought I would say that sentence for a short period of time, but I won’t lie,” he said.

Reflecting on one particularly dangerous shoot, Emodi explained:

“I shot a film in a town that I won’t mention, but we were literally hearing gunshots. There was like a craziness going on in the town next to our town, and we were still shooting.”

The actor also shared that his decision was influenced by concerns for his mental well-being and the expectations of his family.

“This is a decision that has come with a lot of consequences. My family does not support this. It is a family with strict rules and a reputation to protect, which is understandable, and I respect them.

I respect their decision, and I won’t do anything that would bring any stain to the name,” he said.

Despite stepping away from acting, Emodi expressed gratitude for his experiences in Nollywood, acknowledging both the challenges and the memorable moments.

As Emodi closes this chapter of his life, many are left reflecting on the challenges behind Nollywood’s glamour and the courage it took him to prioritize his well-being.

Watch video below…

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Nigeria Shines at 2026 BAFTA Film Awards: Wunmi Mosaku Makes History, Davies Brothers Claim Outstanding Debu

Nigerian talent illuminated the global stage at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, as British-Nigerian actress **Wunmi Mosaku** and brothers **Akinola Davies Jr.** and **Wale Davies** secured historic wins, showcasing the depth and power of Nigerian-rooted storytelling in international cinema.

Wunmi Mosaku, the acclaimed British-Nigerian actress, won **Best Supporting Actress** for her powerful portrayal of Annie, a hoodoo healer, in Ryan Coogler's vampire horror film *Sinners*. In an emotional acceptance speech, the pregnant actress became the first Black British winner in the film's supporting actress category at the BAFTAs. She reflected on rediscovering her "ancestral power" through the role, stating she found "parts of myself... a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in." Mosaku, who previously won a TV BAFTA in 2017 for *Damilola, Our Loved Boy*, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her family, her daughter, and her mother, breaking down in tears during the winners' press conference when *Sinners* also claimed Best Original Screenplay.

The evening also marked a milestone for Nigerian filmmaking as British-Nigerian brothers **Akinola Davies Jr.** (director and co-writer) and **Wale Davies** (co-writer) won the **Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer** for their semi-autobiographical feature *My Father's Shadow*. Set in Lagos during the 1993 Nigerian presidential election crisis, the film follows two young brothers navigating family tensions amid political upheaval. In their acceptance speech, the siblings dedicated the win to immigrant parents who sacrificed for their children's futures, saluting economic and conflict migrants, and emphasizing the importance of archiving personal and cultural stories. Akinola Davies Jr. concluded with a call for solidarity: "For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine." The win underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian narratives and co-productions.

These victories highlight a banner night for Nigerian heritage in British cinema, with *Sinners* earning three BAFTAs overall (including Original Screenplay and Original Score) and *My Father's Shadow* continuing its awards momentum after earlier acclaim, including BIFA honors.

**Wunmi Mosaku (acceptance speech excerpt):** "To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher... I am most proud that everything begins and ends with you."

**Akinola Davies Jr. (acceptance speech excerpt):** "Your dreams are an act of resistance... For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, free Palestine. Thank you."

The 2026 BAFTAs celebrated outstanding achievements in film, with *One Battle After Another* taking Best Film and other major categories. Nigeria's strong showing has sparked widespread pride across social media, with fans and industry figures hailing the wins as a testament to the richness of African diaspora creativity and the universal appeal of authentic storytelling.

As Nigerian talent continues to break barriers on the world stage, these historic BAFTA triumphs signal an exciting era for representation and excellence in global cinema.