Jesse Mugambi, a Kenyan DJ and student currently pursuing his studies at the University of Brighton in England has won Ksh7.6 million (€50,000) in a global competition.
Mugambi edged out 300 entrants from 50 countries in a competition dubbed Save the Night whose results were announced in March. His submission envisioned a unique nightclub which is transformed into a music studio during the day.
The student pursuing a Master's Degree in Sustainable Design at the University explained that his innovation was inspired by challenges experienced by young Kenyans while building their music careers.
"Having faced challenges in pursuing my passion for music, I'm driven by the belief that countless young and old people long for opportunities to explore their musical itch," Mugambi remarked.
His idea, the Studio Can-V, involves the use of shipping containers to make up the sustainable design. The idea champions the studio being built by local creatives with rich roots in the capital, which will also serve as a springboard to help new artists break into the music industry.
Additionally, Mugambi explained that the studio will offer a conducive environment for not just budding artists but anyone interested in music.
"We are collaborating with lecturers at the University of Brighton to ensure that our plans are developed sustainably, both socially and architecturally, " Mugambi added.
With the prize money, Mugambi will acquire materials including the containers from Mombasa, labour, glass for roof panels, steel tubes, and aluminium panels for the doors among other materials.
The architecture graduate emphasised that he would use the money to ensure his design becomes a sustainable reality.
"I aspire to create those spaces where they can explore their creativity and pursue their musical dreams without constraint," he added.
He also lauded his friends, lecturers, professors and mentors at the University who have offered him support to bring his project into reality.
Notably, his project was one of the two winners of the competition which supports nightlife projects around the world.
The other project was submitted by Holly Lester and Boyd Sleator from Northern Ireland.
While announcing the winners of the concluded competition, Kai Dechsling, the Director of Global Culture and Experiential Marketing remarked that an inclusive, diverse and safe nightlife opens up a unique platform for self-expression worldwide.
"The two projects from Kenya and Northern Ireland address crucial socio-political issues and actively contribute to developing nightlife in a positive direction," Dechsling stated.
Before embarking on the execution phase, the two winners will engage in a preliminary session with one of the judges. This will ensure the winning projects attain their full potential.
