4 August 2026 | Photo: Secchi Smith / Asıf Khan

The initiative will recruit 12 emerging selectors to perform across the museum's new late-night event series, with applications closing on 14 August

The London Museum has launched a search for emerging DJs to soundtrack its new late-night event series, inviting selectors from across the capital to join the inaugural Sound of London Collective.

Set to begin on 28 November at the museum's new home in Smithfield, Farringdon, the initiative will bring together 12 rising DJs from London's boroughs to provide the soundtrack as the venue transitions from daytime programming into evening events.

Applications are open until 14 August, with selected DJs offered a year-long contract running from November 2026 to November 2027. Collective members will receive £250 per performance and can expect to play "roughly one set per month".

Beyond paid performances, participants will receive professional headshots, three development sessions and dedicated "artist sessions", offering "space, time and budget" to connect and collaborate with fellow members of the collective.

Successful applicants will also take part in an introductory workshop led by renowned London reggae DJ, MC and promoter Don "Papa Face" Facey, focusing on the city's longstanding soundsystem culture.

According to the museum, applications are open to DJs "who play across any and all music styles". Applicants must be aged 18 or over, reside in one of London's 33 boroughs, have the right to work in the UK, and demonstrate experience performing across a variety of live settings and audiences.

The programme has been developed in partnership with creative studio Hive Curates and London chicken shop chain Morley's, forming part of the museum's new late-night programme hosted in Our Time, a social space located within the historic Victorian General Market building.

Commenting on the launch, Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, said: "The Sound of London DJ Collective celebrates the people, neighbourhoods, local spaces and moments that bring this city to life, uniting bold, original and community-minded DJs who reflect the richness of London’s contemporary sound. At London Museum, we believe in making the everyday extraordinary - creating spaces where people can connect, discover new sounds and make memories. Food and music have always gone hand in hand, bringing people together and telling the stories of a city. That’s why we’re proud to be working with Morley’s – a brand that holds memories across generations of Londoners – with the support of legendary reggae DJ, MC and club promoter Papa Face and producers Hive Curates. We’re looking for DJs with a unique voice and a connection to London’s sounds and stories to help create great times for everyone. If that’s you, we’d love to hear from you."

Morley's Chief Executive Officer Shan Selvendran added: "Supporting emerging talent and connecting with London’s culture is a defining part of Morley’s story – our doors have always been open for creatives, for young people and for our community. As we celebrate over 40 years of Morley’s, backing this DJ collective and supporting spaces for people to come together in London made sense. We’re excited to continue our connection with London Museum to champion the people and stories that make our home city so great.”

London's Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, also welcomed the initiative, stating: “The new London Museum’s late-night weekend openings with the Sound of London DJ Collective will be a fantastic addition to the capital’s nightlife offer. Visitors will be able to enjoy the museum and celebrate the diversity of our incredible music scene as they hear from the next generation of talent. It is a brilliant example of how our city’s cultural institutions and homegrown businesses can work together to create opportunities for Londoners and celebrate what makes our capital great, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

The collective will be mentored by Papa Face, whose career in London's soundsystem, reggae and club culture spans more than five decades. Alongside supporting participating DJs, he is serving as a specialist adviser to the museum on one of 13 large-scale installations surrounding the ground floor of the General Market. The commission will celebrate London's soundsystem heritage while linking the city's musical history with its contemporary scene.

Morley's involvement in the project reflects its longstanding ties to London's creative community. The brand has featured in works by artists including Krept, Stormzy and Burna Boy, while also appearing in Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date, alongside appearances in Netflix's Black Mirror. In 2025, the London Museum acquired the original sign from Morley's Sydenham branch, which will go on display in Smithfield as part of the Hanging Out installation within Our Time.

Applications for the London Museum's Sound of London Collective remain open until 14 August. Further details on the application process are available here.