In the heart of Lekki, a neighborhood bursting with life and culture, a spectacular event took place that would make even the most jaded music lover tap their feet in delight! That’s right, folks, on a starry evening marked by the rhythm of the blues and the beats of Afro-Funk, Monkey Shoulder teamed up with Worldwide FM to celebrate Jazzhole’s incredible 30-year legacy. If you weren’t there, you missed a party that could make even Auntie Edna’s 90th birthday bash look like a child’s tea party.
The venue was Waterside—a name that evokes images of serene lakes and island vacations—which was anything but serene when the music started pumping. What went down that night was not just a celebration of a venue, but a nod to the very essence of Nigeria’s grassroots music scene, where every beat tells a story, and every lyric is drenched in cultural heritage.
Jazzhole is more than just a name; it’s an iconic cultural hub in Lagos. This amazing spot was one of only five winners selected globally, under the Studio Monkey Shoulder initiative, and gosh, did they have a reason to celebrate! With the grant of £10,000 (approximately $12,600 for those not fluent in pounds), Jazzhole is now set to embark on a mission to breathe new life into the forgotten melodies of Nigeria’s past. We’re talking about unreleased recordings that have been gathering dust in attics—think of it as a musical archaeological dig, minus the pickaxes and mummies!
The compilation albums that Jazzhole will digitize feature an impressive menu with genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, Juju, and even Palm Wine music—a genre that sounds tropical even before you turn it up! Imagine a mix between a sunny beach vacation and a lively party in the streets of Lagos. It’s a celebration of authenticity and a reminder that music can be as uniquely flavored as your favorite Nigerian jollof rice—every spoonful is a new experience.
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But back to the party—if you weren’t dancing at Waterside, were you really even alive? The line-up was lit, and we’re not just talking about the mood lighting. Talents like the eclectic Icey of Element House, DJ Tigran of Ekolektro (who definitely knows how to make one groove), and Ayofawo of H Factor turned the crowd into a lively sea of bobbing heads and enthusiastic dancers. The thrill of live music intertwined with the energy of Nigerian youth made this night feel like a massive family reunion, albeit a family that dances like it’s their last chance to woo the audience of America’s Got Talent.
Adding to the buzz were VJ Adams, a cultural icon in his own right, who captured the essence of the night perfectly: “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.” An absolute mic drop moment there, folks. Listening to Adams reflect on the event felt like getting a behind-the-scenes look into the heart of Nigeria’s music scene, where underground vibes pulse stronger than the mainstream tide.
As the evening unfolded, the real magic continued to happen. VJ Adams wasn’t the only star in attendance; icons like Ike Onyema, Bizzle Osikoya, and Yetunde Kuti graced the event, making it quite the who’s who of Nigerian culture. They mingled among the crowd, each interaction lighting up the atmosphere like mini fireworks. You could almost hear the shutter clicks of smartphones capturing the moment as people sought to preserve their encounter with legends.
And then there’s Olakunle Tejuoso, the founder of Jazzhole, whose gratitude was palpable. “We are immensely grateful to Monkey Shoulder for their incredible support through the Studio Monkey Shoulder initiative,” he said, a twinkle of joy in his eyes. Tejuoso painted a vivid picture of sheer determination and passion, noting that their mission was to keep Nigeria’s rich musical history alive. It’s like he’s the librarian of Lagos’ music library, but instead of dusty books, he’s curating infectious beats!
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The night wasn’t limited to live performances either; it also featured a silent disco that caused quite the fun flurry of confusion—and joy. Everyone wearing headphones bobbing their heads in synchrony looks ridiculous in the best way possible! Plus, there were dance-offs where some hit moves that would make even Michael Jackson cringe. If this were a competition, the prize would definitely be the title of “Most Enthusiastic Dancer who Should Probably Stick to Shuffling in Their Living Room.”
As this enchanting evening drew to a close, attendees could confidently say that grassroots music in Nigeria is alive and kicking. Thanks to events like this and support from sponsors like Monkey Shoulder, the legacy of Jazzhole and its mission to promote local talent and authentic sounds will not only endure but flourish.
So, in the world of music, where genres morph and trends shift faster than fashion cycles, remember this night. Remember the energy, the love, and the depth of culture that made it unforgettable. As we say in Nigeria, “Omo Naija, make we groove!”
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