Studio Monkey Shoulder To Empower Sound Innovators With N20m Creative Fund

Studio Monkey Shoulder, a global grassroots music initiative by Monkey Shoulder whisky, said it is empowering sound innovators in Nigeria with a N20 million creative fund.

For the second consecutive year, the initiative, in partnership with legendary DJ and Worldwide FM founder Gilles Peterson, invites ambitious music communities to apply for a £10,000 grant to bring their original music projects to life.

The Company said the applications for Nigeria’s Studio Monkey Shoulder Fund which opened on April 28, will close on June 1, 2025.

It added that ‘this funding is designed to support a variety of creative entities, from independent record stores to DIY music venues, online radio stations, and collectives pushing the boundaries of sound while nurturing authentic connections.

“The aim is to create a flourishing music ecosystem in Nigeria that protects the vital spaces where people gather to connect, create, and discover music. In addition to receiving funding, the winning project will have its story highlighted through a series of films and radio broadcasts produced by Worldwide FM.”

Broadcaster, DJ, and founder of Worldwide FM, Gilles Peterson, stated that “It is incredibly rewarding to see Studio Monkey Shoulder expand in its second year alongside Worldwide FM.

“Collaborating with the communities we supported in 2024 has been an honour, and I look forward to discovering even more fantastic community-driven projects in Nigeria as this initiative continues to evolve.”

He said, “the initiative’s positive impact is already evident, with Lagos-based cultural institution Jazzhole having benefited from last year’s grant to digitally remaster rare archival recordings, preserving Nigeria’s rich sonic heritage.”

The Jazzhole team shared their gratitude, noting, “our experience last year was unforgettable. Collaborating with Monkey Shoulder, Gilles Peterson, and the Worldwide FM crew for an exclusive session provided us with not only a platform but also a legacy project. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to make this dream a reality.”

Nigeria joins a network of four other global territories — the United Kingdom, India, Taiwan, and Germany, where similar creative collectives will be chosen to receive the Studio Monkey Shoulder grant.

Each selected project will gain global visibility through a dedicated Worldwide FM broadcast and documentary feature, becoming part of an international creative network aimed at elevating community voices and sharing their stories on a global stage.