Brighton student wins grant for nightclub and studio in Kenya

A Brighton student will transform a shipping container in Nairobi into an innovative Kenya nightclub, thanks to their vision.

A unique nightlife experience is coming to Kenya thanks to the vision of Jesse Mugambi, a University of Brighton graduate and current master’s student in sustainable design. His project, Studio Can-V, has been awarded a €50,000 (£39,000) grant from Jägermeister’s Save The Night initiative. This has fueled his dream of transforming shipping containers into a vibrant Kenya nightclub and music studio.

Mugambi’s passion for music ignited as a young DJ in Nairobi, where he experienced firsthand the challenges aspiring musicians face. “There are countless people, young and old, who yearn for a space to explore their musical passions,” he says. Studio Can-V aims to fill that gap, providing a daytime hub for young DJs to hone their skills and network. Then seamlessly transitioning into a Kenya nightclub where the music and energy flow into the night.

The project’s innovative design sets it apart. Local Kenyan artisans will build Studio Can-V, located in Nairobi, a hotspot for creativity, entirely from repurposed shipping containers. Mugambi’s design incorporates traditional elements, celebrating local culture and providing a sense of community for those entering this unique Kenya nightclub. The space will prioritise showcasing DJs from all walks of life, representing the diverse sounds of Kenya’s future.

“Studio Can-V promotes inclusivity by foregrounding the voices of young DJs from various communities and backgrounds, who represent the future of an equal society,” he said.

“I aspire to create those spaces where they can really explore their creativity and pursue their musical dreams without constraint.”

He added: “I’ve received massive support from friends, mentors, lecturers and professors at the University of Brighton who’ve helped shape the project’s trajectory.”

Mugambi’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment resonated with Jägermeister. “Studio Can-V is exactly the kind of project Save the Night champions,” says Kai Dechsling of Mast-Jägermeister. “It’s about fostering creativity, connection, and doing it in a way that gives back.”