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An extraordinary night of music and culture unfolded at Waterside, Lekki, as Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM joined forces to honor Jazzhole, a Lagos cultural icon, for its 30-year contribution to Nigeria’s music scene. The event, part of the global *Studio Monkey Shoulder* initiative, celebrated Jazzhole’s legacy of preserving the country’s rich musical traditions.
Jazzhole was one of five global winners recognized for its commitment to grassroots music, receiving a £10,000 grant to support its efforts in digitizing and releasing two compilation albums featuring previously unreleased recordings. These albums capture the essence of Nigerian genres like Afro-Funk, Afrobeat, Palm Wine, Juju, and Highlife, showcasing the nation’s authentic sounds.
The night was a tribute not only to Jazzhole but also to grassroots music culture itself, as artists, DJs, and music lovers came together in a vibrant exchange. Performances by Nigerian talents such as Icey of Element House, DJ Tigran of Ekolektro, and Ayofawo of H Factor, along with other acts like Maze x Mxtreme and Tobi Peter, energized the crowd. A silent disco and an intense dance-off added to the lively atmosphere, blending traditional and modern Nigerian beats.
Renowned media personality VJ Adams reflected on the event’s impact, stating, “The energy at the event was incredible. It wasn’t just about the music – it was about celebrating the underground music community that’s been shaping our culture for years.” He praised platforms like Jazzhole for championing local artists and preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity through music.
Notable figures from Nigeria’s culture scene, including Ike Onyema, Bizzle Osikoya, Joey Akan, and Yetunde Kuti, were in attendance, adding to the sense of community and celebration.
Jazzhole’s founder, Olakunle Tejuoso, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “We are immensely grateful to Monkey Shoulder for their incredible support. This partnership has allowed us to breathe new life into rare and unreleased recordings, preserving the essence of African music for future generations.”
The night at Waterside offered a glimpse into the future of Nigerian music, demonstrating how grassroots sounds continue to thrive and gain recognition on global platforms. With initiatives like *Studio Monkey Shoulder*, the legacy of Nigeria’s grassroots music will keep evolving, enriching the world one beat at a time.
