Studio Monkey Shoulder, the global grassroots music initiative from renowned blended malt whisky brand Monkey Shoulder, returns to Nigeria for its second consecutive year. In continued partnership with legendary DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, this year’s competition once again invites Nigeria’s most ambitious grassroots music communities to apply for a £10,000 grant (₦20 million Naira) to bring their bold, original projects to life—amplifying their scene on a global scale.
The fund supports independent record stores, DIY music venues, online radio stations, and collectives that push sonic boundaries while fostering real-world connections. Its mission is to safeguard spaces where artists and audiences converge, create, and discover music, ensuring Nigeria’s music ecosystem thrives. Alongside the funding, the winner will share their journey through a series of films and radio broadcasts produced by Worldwide FM.
Gilles Peterson, broadcaster, DJ, and founder of Worldwide FM, expressed his excitement for the initiative’s continued growth:
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 is already being felt. In 2024, Lagos-based cultural institution Jazzhole received Nigeria’s grant to digitally remaster rare archival recordings, preserving the country’s rich sonic heritage. Reflecting on the experience, Jazzhole shared: 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 selected creative collectives will receive the Studio Monkey Shoulder grant alongside global exposure through a dedicated Worldwide FM broadcast and documentary feature. Each chosen project becomes part of an international creative network curated by Worldwide FM, designed to elevate community voices and share their stories on a global stage.
Applications for Nigeria’s Studio Monkey Shoulder Fund open on April 28th and close on June 1st. For full details and to apply, visit this website.
