Mainland House Music, an electronic music collective based in Lagos, has been granted £10,000 (₦20,000,000) by Studio Monkey Shoulder to realize their visionary project titled “See The Sound”. This initiative, developed in collaboration with esteemed DJ Gilles Peterson and the international music platform Worldwide FM, champions community-led ventures that innovate within the sonic landscape and highlight local musical creativity.
The 2025 Studio Monkey Shoulder competition attracted a global pool of applicants, including an impressive 122,000 submissions from Nigeria alone. Among the notable Nigerian finalists were Group Therapy NG, Mainland House Music, RAWA Funk, Kevwe & Cam, Rehash, House x House x House, and Honey Pot FM, with Mainland House Music ultimately securing the top prize.
Originating from Lagos, Mainland House Music is a collective and rave series dedicated to Afrohouse and deep electronic genres. Their goal is to cultivate inclusive, alternative environments that stand apart from the city’s mainstream Afrobeats scene. Their events bring together a vibrant community of dancers, musicians, and resident DJs such as Etté, Fāëm, Earth Surfing, and Codename: KND. Having marked their second anniversary in March 2025, the group is now poised to expand their impact with the backing of the Studio Monkey Shoulder grant.
The “See The Sound” project was recognized for its pioneering approach to multi-sensory storytelling, which enhances audience immersion while preserving the essence of Lagos’ underground electronic culture. Featuring DJs, immersive audio-visual experiences, and insightful discussions, the initiative not only protects a crucial cultural movement but also elevates its profile internationally, positioning Lagos as a vital hub for fresh and influential sounds. Mainland House Music will debut this project at the See The Sound Event on September 27th, 2025, in partnership with Worldwide FM and Monkey Shoulder.
“They are clearly cultivating something vibrant on Lagos’ mainland,” remarked Gilles Peterson. “I admire how they are harnessing their unique sound and community to craft an experience that highlights the DJs, their narratives, and the dynamic energy of their scene. This is a fantastic chance to solidify Lagos’ role in the global electronic music landscape and nurture the distinctive Lagos house sound.”
As part of the award, the project will gain worldwide exposure through Worldwide FM’s radio and film platforms, connecting Lagos’ music scene with new international listeners. Winners also become part of a global creative network curated by Worldwide FM, fostering ongoing collaborations and increased visibility. Other recipients of the 2025 grant include Neighbourhood (UK), 90MIL (Germany), Sound of Women (India), and Flavour Hualien (Taiwan).
This program prioritizes empowering grassroots music culture by supporting record shops, DIY venues, online radio stations, and creative hubs. Mainland House Music’s recognition not only celebrates Lagos’ alternative nightlife but also marks a growing international appreciation for Nigeria’s rich and evolving musical landscape.
READ: Studio Monkey Shoulder fuels Nigerian creativity with ₦20M grant
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