Raheem Akingbolu
Studio Monkey Shoulder, the global grassroots music initiative by renowned blended malt-whisky brand Monkey Shoulder, returns to Nigeria for a second consecutive year. This year the competition in continued partnership with the legendary DJ and broadcaster, Gilles Peterson, once again invites Nigeria’s most ambitious, homegrown grassroots music communities to apply for a £10,000 grant (₦20 million Naira) to bring their big, original music project to life, spotlighting their scene on a global scale.
This fund supports independent record stores to DIY music venues, online radio stations, and collectives who are pushing sonic boundaries while fostering real-world connection — all focused on protecting the spaces where people connect, create and discover music to encourage a thriving music ecosystem in Nigeria. Alongside the funding, the winner will tell their story through a series of films and radio broadcasts produced by Worldwide FM.
Broadcaster, DJ and founder of Worldwide FM, Gilles Peterson, said “I am thrilled to see Studio Monkey Shoulder grow in its second year in partnership with Worldwide FM. It’s been a privilege to work with the communities we supported in 2024, seeing their projects thrive and come to life. I am excited to uncover more amazing community-driven projects in Nigeria and witness the talent that comes with it as the project evolves in year two.”
The impact of the initiative is already being felt. In 2024, Lagos-based cultural institution Jazzhole received the Nigerian grant to digitally remaster rare archival recordings and preserve Nigeria’s sonic heritage.
Expressing gratitude for the initiative, Jazzhole, recipient of last year’s Nigeria’s grant, stated, “The Jazzhole team’s experience last year was unforgettable. We collaborated with Monkey Shoulder, Gilles Peterson and the Worldwide FM crew for an exclusive session. It gave us not just a platform, but a legacy project. Thank you for making this dream a reality.”
Nigeria joins four other global territories — the United Kingdom, India, Taiwan, and Germany — where similar creative collectives will be selected per country to receive the Studio Monkey Shoulder grant, along with global visibility through a dedicated Worldwide FM broadcast and documentary feature.
Each selected project becomes part of an international creative network curated by Worldwide FM, designed to elevate community voices and bring their stories to a global stage. Applications for Nigeria’s Studio Monkey Shoulder Fund open on April 28th, and close on June 1st.
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