A Ksh. 6.9 million grant has been awarded to a Kenyan student in the UK, Jesse Mugambi, pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable design at Brighton University. This significant win came through his participation in the international ‘Save The Night’ competition, sponsored by Jagermeister, which supports innovative nightlife projects. Jesse emerged victorious among 300 contestants from 50 countries, sharing the $109,000 (Ksh. 15 million) prize fund with a fellow winner from Northern Ireland.
Jesse’s winning project, named Studio Can-V, originated during his undergraduate studies and has evolved into a versatile space that seamlessly transforms from a studio for emerging DJs during the day to a lively nightclub during the night. The mobile sound studio will be constructed in Nairobi, Kenya, Jesse’s hometown, utilizing decommissioned shipping containers sourced from Mombasa port. The construction will prioritize sustainability, incorporating renewable materials such as steel tubes for structural support and aluminum panels for doors, all locally supplied in Nairobi.
Studio Can-V aims to foster a sense of community and creativity among Nairobi’s youth by providing a space for musical exploration and expression. Mugambi, a budding DJ himself, emphasizes the importance of offering opportunities for individuals, both young and old, to pursue their musical passions without constraints. The project aims to showcase contemporary Kenyan identities, promoting inclusivity by amplifying the voices of young DJs from diverse backgrounds and communities, representing the future of an equal society.
Mugambi expresses his dedication to highlighting sustainability and environmental consciousness in architectural design, utilizing local designs to instill pride and cultural identity. Collaborating with lecturers from the University of Brighton ensures that the project is developed sustainably, both socially and architecturally.
Jagermeister’s Director of Global Culture and Experiential Marketing, Kai Dechsling, praises the winning projects in Kenya and Northern Ireland for addressing crucial socio-political issues and actively contributing to the positive development of nightlife. An inclusive, diverse, and safe nightlife, he believes, creates unique pathways for self-expression worldwide, fostering freedom and sanctuaries for communities.
