Nestled in the heart of Lagos in Ikoyi, The Jazzhole has stood as one of the city's most treasured cultural landmarks – a sanctuary for music lovers, collectors and artists seeking the soul of Nigeria's sound. Led by Olakunle Tejuoso and his son Olakunle Junior, this book and record shop has become a cornerstone of Lagos' vibrant art scene.

Olakunle Tejuoso & Olakunle Jr outside Jazzhole | photo by @magdalenamoursy

Specialising in Black music spanning African and Afro-diasporic genres, Jazzhole remains deeply committed to celebrating local talent and preserving Nigeria's musical legacy.

Jazzhole Lagos | Photo by @magdalenamoursy

Studio Monkey Shoulder collaborated with Jazzhole to produce two LP compilations, supporting them in the digitising, remastering and pressings of unreleased studio recordings from their extensive collection that was just sitting in their shop.

Olakunle Jr speaking with Gilles Peterson on air about Eroya | Photo by @mellozwrld

Their first album Eroya is a collective of elder and younger musicians based in the heart of Lahos which takes you on a journey dating back from late 1940s to contemporary Naija grooves – from palm-wine, agididbo grooves, juju/owambe styles, highlife melodies to afro funk and afro beats. Key members includes Sina Ayinde Bakare, son of the legendary maestro Ayinde Bakare the originator of Juju music, Multi-instrumentalist juju singer Fatai Rolling Dollar, Afro-funk tenor saxophonist Prince Eju Oyewole and afrobeat pianist Duro Ikujenyo, a member of Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 band. 

Asiko Tito album cover | Photo by @mellozwrld

The second album Asiko Tito was an ambitious project Jazzhole embarked on in the late 90s to capture and promote the rich tapestry of local talent from across Lagos. It showcases an eclectic mix of sounds ranging from afrobeat and Yoruba-funk to afrofunk, highlife and spiritual jazz. Each track is a testament to the vibrant music scene blending traditional rhythms with contemporary influences to create a unique listening experience that resonates with both nostalgia and modernity.

"Listeners can expect to embark on a sonic journey where infectious grooves meet funkified melodies. These releases are a must listen for anyone who appreciates the fusion of genres and the power of music to connect and inspire." Olakunle Tejuoso, Jazzhole Lagos

Artists Duro Ikujenyo & Prince Eju Oyewole with Olakunle Tejuoso | Photo by @magdalenamoursy

This project seeks to engage new audiences in Nigeria’s diverse musical heritage, ensuring these sounds resonate with future generations while inspiring artistic innovation among future generations of Nigerian artists. 

To celebrate the release of these albums, we hosted two events at Jazzhole with contemporary Nigerian DJs and some live performances with some of the artists featured on the albums. 

Artist Prince Eji Oywole performing at Album launch at Jazzhole | Photo by @magdalenamoursy

Olakunle and Olakunle Jr also travelled to London to join Gilles Peterson live on air at the Studio Monkey Shoulder Global Broadcast to discuss the albums and the story behind them.

Olakunle Tejuoso & Olakunle Jr with Gilles Peterson & Magdalena Moursy in London  | Photo by @mellozwrld

“Super happy with these two amazing records, don’t think we can get much better than this. Authentically made in Lagos, they hold enormous cultural value, the sense of creating something which can last forever and hold that cultural weight. You can hear all the history, new and old on these two records. Amazing!”  DJ & Broadcaster Gilles Peterson

Watch this video here to discover Jazzhole's journey and to learn why it's not just a record shop, "it's where you come to learn".

This project is part of Studio Monkey Shoulder – a music initiative by Worldwide FM and Monkey Shoulder Whisky dedicated to empowering and celebrating innovate grassroots music communities around the world.