Spirits of Jazz in a groundbreaking fusion of music, culture, and spirits, Monkey Shoulder whisky has joined forces with the globally renowned radio station Worldwide FM to shine a spotlight on Lagos’ vibrant grassroots music scene. At the heart of this celebration is Jazzhole, the iconic record store and cultural hub that has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s music landscape for decades. This collaboration promises to be a transformative event, bridging generations of music lovers and introducing the world to the pulsating rhythms of Lagos’ underground scene.
The event, scheduled to take place over a weekend in the heart of Lagos, is set to feature a carefully curated lineup of performances, DJ sets, and interactive experiences that pay homage to Jazzhole’s enduring legacy while also platforming the city’s emerging talents. Kunle Tejuosho, the visionary founder of Jazzhole, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “For over 30 years, Jazzhole has been more than just a record store. It’s been a sanctuary for music lovers, a launchpad for artists, and a keeper of our musical heritage. This partnership with Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM feels like a beautiful recognition of that journey.”
Worldwide FM, founded by legendary DJ Gilles Peterson, has long been at the forefront of discovering and promoting global sounds. The station’s involvement brings an international spotlight to Lagos’ music scene. Peterson himself is slated to host a special broadcast from Jazzhole during the event. “Lagos has always been a musical powerhouse,” Peterson noted. From Fela Kuti to the new generation of Afrobeats stars, this city breathes rhythm. But what excites me most is the underground scene – the jazz experimentalists, the Afro-futurists, the genre-bending producers. That’s what we’re here to celebrate.”
Monkey Shoulder, known for its irreverent approach to whisky and its support of music events worldwide, sees this collaboration as a natural extension of its brand ethos. Brand ambassador Sola Oke explained, “Monkey Shoulder has always been about breaking conventions and celebrating creativity. Lagos’ music scene embodies that spirit perfectly. We’re not just here to pour drinks; we’re here to pour fuel on the creative fire that’s burning in this city.
The event’s lineup reads like a who’s who of Lagos’ musical vanguard. Headlining acts include Keziah Jones, the Nigerian-French singer-songwriter known for his “Blufunk” style, and Nneka, whose soulful voice has won her fans across the globe. But it’s the showcase of emerging talents that has locals buzzing. Acts like The Cavemen, known for their highlife revival sound, and Tems, whose haunting vocals have recently captured international attention, are set to perform.
But this celebration is about more than just performances. Interactive workshops led by music industry veterans will offer aspiring artists insights into production, songwriting, and the business side of music. A pop-up recording studio, sponsored by Monkey Shoulder, will give attendees the chance to lay down tracks with professional equipment – a rare opportunity for many grassroots musicians.
The event also features a series of panel discussions tackling important issues in the Nigerian music industry. Topics range from the role of independent record stores in the digital age to the challenges of preserving Nigeria’s rich musical heritage. Tejuosho will be leading a talk on the history of Lagos’ jazz scene, drawing from Jazzhole’s vast archives and his personal experiences.
One of the most anticipated elements of the celebration is the “Vinyl Revival” segment. Worldwide FM DJs will be spinning rare Nigerian pressings from Jazzhole’s collection, many of which haven’t been played publicly in decades. This showcase of vinyl treasures is not just a nod to the past but a bridge to the future, as a new generation of Lagos music lovers discovers the warm, rich sound of vinyl.
The collaboration has also sparked a city-wide treasure hunt. Limited edition Monkey Shoulder bottles, featuring artwork inspired by classic Nigerian album covers, have been hidden across Lagos. Clues to their locations are being broadcast on Worldwide FM and shared through a dedicated app. Lucky finders not only get to keep the collectible bottles but also win VIP access to the event.
Local businesses are getting involved too. Neighboring cafes and bars are creating special music-themed menus for the duration of the event. Street artists have been commissioned to paint murals celebrating Lagos’ musical icons, turning the area around Jazzhole into an open-air gallery.
The impact of this event extends beyond the weekend’s festivities. Monkey Shoulder has committed to a year-long mentorship program for emerging Lagos musicians, offering guidance, resources, and performance opportunities. Worldwide FM will be featuring a monthly “Lagos Spotlight” segment, ensuring that the city’s sounds continue to reach a global audience.
Environmental considerations haven’t been overlooked. The event organizers have partnered with local eco-friendly initiatives to ensure that the celebration leaves a positive impact. Reusable cups made from recycled materials will be used throughout, and a tree-planting program will offset the carbon footprint of the event.
As anticipation builds, the collaboration between Monkey Shoulder, Worldwide FM, and Jazzhole is being hailed as a model for how global brands can meaningfully engage with local music scenes. Rather than imposing an outside vision, this partnership amplifies existing voices and infrastructures, creating a platform for authentic cultural exchange.
Music journalist Ayo Adepoju sees this as a pivotal moment for Lagos’ music scene. “For years, we’ve known the incredible talent that exists in this city’s clubs, studios, and street corners. This event feels like Lagos is finally getting the global recognition it deserves, not just for Afrobeats, but for the full spectrum of our musical expression.
As the event approaches, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in Lagos’ music community. Social media is abuzz with speculation about surprise guests and hidden gems in Jazzhole’s collection that might be unveiled. Local radio stations are running countdowns, and music blogs are publishing retrospectives on Jazzhole’s influence over the years.
For Tejuosho, this celebration is the realization of a long-held dream. “When I opened Jazzhole, I wanted to create a space where music could live and breathe, where artists and fans could connect, where our musical heritage could be preserved and renewed. Seeing it become the focal point of this incredible event… it’s beyond anything I could have imagined.”
As Lagos prepares to swing to the rhythms of its past, present, and future, one thing is clear: this collaboration between Monkey Shoulder, Worldwide FM, and Jazzhole is set to write a new chapter in the city’s rich musical story. It’s a testament to the enduring power of grassroots music scenes and a celebration of the spirit that keeps them alive. For one weekend, Lagos will not just be a city – it will be the beating heart of the global music community.
