We are not jealous of the people who were inside Co-op Live arena in Manchester on 26 March watching Tiwa Savage perform at the 2026 MOBO Awards and hearing an unreleased song from her for the very first time. We are completely fine. But if you are a Tiwa Savage fan and you were not there, we think it is safe to say you missed a great deal. Do not worry, we have got you with all the details.

On the red carpet, Tiwa arrived in a structured, architectural floor-length off-the-shoulder dress covered in 3D metallic geometric tiles in silver that gave the whole look a sculptural, mirror-like finish. A short pixie cut with soft finger waves, clean glowing makeup with a nude glossy lip and chunky diamond rings completed the red-carpet moment. She also told the host exactly what 2026 is the year of for her: “MONEY,” she said. No hesitation whatsoever.

For the performance, everything changed. She came out in a cropped multi-coloured leather biker jacket in chocolate brown, black and yellow, worn over a bright yellow bandeau top, a heavily embellished dark mini-skirt with gold hardware and oversized grommets, a white faux-fur attachment at the waist and white and yellow boxing-style boots. Layered chunky gold necklaces and statement gold earrings kept the luxury element running through the whole look.

The set was a masterful two-part medley. She opened with a soulful, stripped-back rendition of “You4Me,” reminding everyone of her incredible vocal range, before a “coin drop” moment shifted the gear entirely.

The transition into her unreleased song “Energy” was a full production—a troupe of dancers in monochromatic red streetwear, Afro-fusion choreography, architectural stage arches and bold lighting shifting from deep purples to fiery reds. It was Tiwa Savage at full capacity and Manchester felt every bit of it.

Watch below:

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Before the global stages and chart-topping records, Tiwa Savage was a 24-year-old student at Berklee College of Music, studying Professional Music. She was there on scholarship — an opportunity she says changed the direction of her career.

Looking back on that moment, she said:

I know this personally because at the age of 24. I was awarded a scholarship to attend the world-class institution, Berklee College of Music. That opportunity changed my perspective. It expanded my understanding of global systems, and the power of knowledge behind creativity. It showed me that talent is universal — but access is not.

That access is now at the centre of her latest move.

Years after that scholarship shaped her own path, Tiwa has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative focused on discovering, developing and supporting the next generation of African music creatives. But the Foundation isn’t limited to artists alone. It is built around the wider ecosystem that sustains the industry — the producers, engineers, songwriters, publishers, lawyers and composers who often work behind the scenes.

As she put it:

Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention but an industry cannot stand on artists alone. Behind every global sound is an ecosystem of Producers, engineers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, innovators, composers, the person who scores the music to your favorite movie or the person who uses music as a tool for healing. These are the architects of structure, ownership and longevity. If we do not intentionally develop them, we weaken the very house we are trying to grow.

The Foundation launches with a partnership that feels especially personal. Tiwa has teamed up with Berklee College of Music to bring an immersive programme directly to Nigeria. The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme will mark the first-ever Berklee on the Road initiative in the country — a full-circle moment for the alumna (Berklee PDM ’07).

Berklee President Jim Lucchese described the collaboration as a significant step for the institution’s global outreach:

The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, our first-ever Berklee on the Road in Nigeria, will continue to increase access to Berklee’s curriculum around the world through the generosity and collaborative spirit of one of our most accomplished and dedicated alums. The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists; I look forward to seeing the artistry and creativity that results from these exciting workshops.

Jason Camelio, Assistant Vice President for Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships, added:

Our team connects the Berklee community to the world and the world to the Berklee community. These educational experiences are best accomplished with the knowledge and expertise of leading artists and alumni. There is no better way to connect with the music community in Nigeria than with Tiwa Savage. We see this program and relationship as a historic pathway forward to enrich our educational and artistic experiences, inspire our students and teachers, and open doors for the next generation of emerging artists.

Beyond training and mentorship, Tiwa says the Foundation is also about preparing African creatives for the realities of a rapidly shifting industry — particularly as technology continues to transform how music is made and owned.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is my commitment in giving others that same opportunity that was given to me because as technology reshapes music, we must be prepared. Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything, the question is not whether it will affect African music … it already is. The question is whether we will be educated leaders in this space, or observers left behind. For too long, African creatives have been perceived as late to global systems. Education changes that. Access changes that. Ownership changes that.

The programme will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., culminating in a live showcase where participants present original work blending global music styles with West African traditions. Selected participants will receive scholarship awards and tailored guidance on further study through Berklee’s in-person and online programmes.

For emerging musicians, producers, songwriters and creatives across Africa who are interested in taking part, applications are now open and will close on 20 March 2026. Admission is highly selective, and there is no tuition cost for accepted participants.

 

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