An extraordinary night of music and culture occurred at Waterside in Lekki, where Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM gathered to celebrate Jazzhole and its contribution to Nigeria's vibrant music scene.

The concert, part of the global Studio Monkey Shoulder effort, honored Jazzhole's 30-year legacy and commitment in maintaining Nigeria's diverse music traditions. Jazzhole, an iconic Lagos cultural hub, was among five winners picked from around the world for its tireless efforts to promote grassroots music.

Jazzhole received a £10,000 grant as part of its recognition, as well as ongoing backing from Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM, which helped it digitize and issue two compilation albums of previously unpublished recordings.

These recordings highlight Nigeria's most authentic sounds, including Afro-Funk, Afrobeat, Palm Wine, Juju, and Highlife.

The gathering was more than just a tribute to Jazzhole. It was a celebration of grassroots music culture, including the artists, communities, and the tales that inspired the music. The atmosphere at Waterside was electrifying, with performers, DJs, and ardent music fans gathering to share the experience.

Finalists from the Studio Monkey Shoulder competition participated in this colorful cultural encounter, demonstrating that music transcends borders and connects people from all countries and traditions.

Nigerian performers like as Icey of Element House, DJ Tigran of Ekolektro, and Ayofawo of H Factor, Maze x Mxtreme, Ypick, Tobi Peter, and others kept the audience on their feet. The evening also featured a silent disco and an explosive dance-off, bringing Nigerian music to life through a fusion of tradition and new beats.

The cultural icons on display contributed to the spirit of camaraderie and joy. VJ Adams, one of Nigeria's most well-known media figures, pondered on the significance of the night.

"The energy at the event was fantastic. It wasn't only about the music; it was about honoring the underground music community that has shaped our culture for decades," he explained.

"Seeing platforms like Jazzhole, which is funded by Studio Monkey Shoulder, champion these musicians while keeping the spirit of our sounds was inspirational. Events like these remind us why our music industry is so unique: it's honest, authentic, and strongly based in our cultural identity."

Some of the best names in Nigerian culture were also there, including Ike Onyema, Bizzle Osikoya, Joey Akan, Lord Sky, Chigozie Obi, Yetunde Kuti, Crowd Control, Dope Caesar, and others.

Olakunle Tejuoso, the founder of Jazzhole, was obviously moved by the event's popularity and excitement. "We are immensely grateful to Monkey Shoulder for their incredible support through the Studio Monkey Shoulder initiative," he told me.

"This partnership has allowed us to breathe new life into rare and unreleased recordings that showcase Nigeria's rich musical history, preserving the essence of African music for future generations and sharing this cultural treasure with the world."

The night at Waterside offered a glimpse of Nigerian music's future. It demonstrated how grassroots music continues to exist, nourished by communities and appreciated on a worldwide scale. With the help of projects like Studio Monkey Shoulder, the heritage of grassroots music in Nigeria will continue to grow, one rhythm, one song, and one tale at a time.