Jakarta’s vibrant underground music scene takes centre stage as Monkey Shoulder launches Studio Monkey Shoulder LIVE, a city-wide music series celebrating grassroots creativity, local communities and the art of bringing different influences together.
Running from August to September 2026, the Jakarta edition is presented in collaboration with renowned British DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, Worldwide FM and homegrown collective Radio Rumah Oma. The series forms part of a two-month musical journey spanning four cities across Southeast Asia, connecting independent venues, music collectives and creative communities.
For Jakarta, Radio Rumah Oma has curated a programme that reflects the city’s ever-evolving musical landscape. Across multiple nights, audiences can move from soul, funk, disco, house and global sounds at Bartiga and HATS Bar, to an intimate deep-listening session with Audio Nirvana at Chris Bunjamin Studio, before the series culminates in a high-energy finale at ZOO. Each gathering is designed not simply as a performance, but as an opportunity for artists and audiences to meet, exchange ideas and discover new sounds.
At the heart of the series is Monkey Shoulder’s philosophy of the Blend – bringing different characters together to create something unexpected. The concept extends beyond the music, with a cocktail programme led by the Monkey Old Fashioned and drinks created by local bartenders, offering another way for guests to connect while enjoying the atmosphere.
“DIY music culture is built on exchange,” says Gilles Peterson. “Working with Monkey Shoulder, we wanted to celebrate each region’s diversity by shining a light on the people, communities and grassroots scenes shaping and pushing local music culture forward.”
With its mix of music, independent spaces, creative communities and cocktails, Studio Monkey Shoulder LIVE offers a snapshot of Jakarta’s dynamic cultural landscape – proving that when different influences come together, something uniquely local can emerge.
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