A Night to Remember: Jazzhole Celebrates 30 Years of Nigerian Music Legacy with Studio Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM

Image: DP

At the iconic Waterside in Lekki, Lagos, music lovers were treated to an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s vibrant cultural heritage, as Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM joined forces to honor Jazzhole, one of Lagos' most iconic cultural hubs.

The event, a part of the global Studio Monkey Shoulder initiative, commemorated Jazzhole’s 30-year legacy of preserving Nigeria’s grassroots music scene. 

Jazzhole was one of five winners worldwide chosen for its tireless promotion of grassroots music and its rich cultural significance. The evening paid tribute to its remarkable contribution, with the cultural institution receiving a £10,000 grant from Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM.

The grant will help Jazzhole digitize and release two compilation albums, featuring previously unreleased recordings that highlight the authentic sounds of Nigerian music genres, including Afrobeat, Afro-Funk, Juju, Highlife, and Palm Wine music.

The event showcased Nigerian talents like Icey of Element House, DJ Tigran of Ekolektro, Ayofawo of H Factor, Maze x Mxtreme, Ypick, and Tobi Peter, electrifying the crowd with live performances that fused tradition with modern beats. From a silent disco to a thrilling dance-off, the night captured the essence of Nigeria’s music scene, blending the old and the new in an exhilarating celebration.

VJ Adams, one of Nigeria’s top media personalities, shared his excitement: "The energy was incredible. It wasn’t just about the music – it was about celebrating the underground music community shaping our culture for years. This event was a reminder of how unique and raw our sound is."

The event was graced by notable figures in the Nigerian culture scene, including Ike Onyema, Bizzle Osikoya, Joey Akan, Lord Sky, and Chigozie Obi. Jazzhole’s founder, Olakunle Tejuoso, was visibly moved by the support, expressing his gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to showcase Nigeria's rich musical history. 

"This partnership with Monkey Shoulder has breathed new life into rare recordings, preserving the essence of African music for future generations and sharing this cultural treasure with the world," said Tejuoso.

The night not only honored Jazzhole's legacy but also pointed toward the future of Nigerian music. With initiatives like Studio Monkey Shoulder, Nigeria’s grassroots music culture is set to continue flourishing, bringing the rich and diverse sounds of the country to global audiences.

Source: DP

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