Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has said talent alone is not enough to succeed in the music industry, as she opened up about her mission to help shape the next generation of African creatives.
The singer made the remark while discussing the vision behind the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, her initiative to support emerging talent and expand opportunities in the industry.
According to her, raw talent without access, structure and support can limit even gifted artists.
“Music changed my life but talent alone isn’t enough especially when access is limited,” she said.
Her comments have drawn attention as they reflect growing conversations around the challenges many young creatives face beyond simply being talented.
Explaining her bigger goal, Tiwa said she wants people to understand that the music industry offers far more possibilities than just becoming a recording artist.
“I want to open people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music,” she added.
The 46-year-old singer is set to host a grand finale concert for more than 100 participants graduating from her foundation in partnership with Berklee College of Music.
The event will be held at the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and the Creative Arts, with Darey Art Alade and Kie Kie serving as hosts.
But Tiwa said her ambition goes beyond grooming performers alone.
“I don’t just want to launch artists; I want to build leaders, producers, executives and owners who will shape the future of the music industry,” she said.
She added that she hopes alumni from the program go on to become composers, label executives, and mentors who help empower others.
“Our alumni will become film composers, label executives and mentors who reinvest in the next generation. If a young musician from a small neighbourhood can say the foundation changed their life, then we’ve achieved something meaningful,” she said.
Her remarks have since resonated with many fans, with some praising her for focusing on long-term industry development rather than fame alone.
For Tiwa, success in music, she suggests, is not just about talent, but about opportunity, knowledge, and building a legacy.
