KOKO is marking its 125-year anniversary.
The historic London venue has hosted talent over the decades including Charlie Chaplin, Madonna, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Coldplay and the Rolling Stones.
“First opening in 1901, KOKO has stood proudly at the forefront of London arts and culture and still today, remains fully independent,” said a statement.
As it reaches the 125-year milestone, the venue has now unveiled its new KOKO recording studio and the Miraval members’ balcony in the KOKO Theatre.
It reopened in 2022 after three years of restoration and redevelopment, which saw the venue transform into a 50,000 sq ft cultural space. KOKO said it has been “redefining luxury hospitality and entertainment with an innovative new business model”, designed to allow the venue to support artists and creatives.
As well as three venues for live music, there are 16 rooms backstage in the House Of KOKO private members’ club, which host curated live music, DJs and cultural programming, with livestreaming integrated throughout. The building includes a new Penthouse recording studio, hidden jazz club, vinyl rooms, a roof terrace restaurant, gallery, secret bars and more.
Artists are able to use the 16 spaces to create content, or curate a range of different experiences backstage for intimate audiences.
KOKO marks the start of its celebrations with an anniversary video If These Walls Could Talk, directed by Ned Botwood, with creative direction from KOKO founder Olly Bengough and produced by Somesuch. Featuring a depiction of Ellen Terry, the actor who first opened the venue in 1901, the film also portrays grime, indie, punk and garage fans through the eras.
The KOKO Recording Studio in The House of KOKO’s Penthouse (credit Oakley Moffatt)
In addition, a new KOKO recording studio in the House of KOKO’s Penthouse features new equipment from Solid State Logic, including the same mixing desk that was used for Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Super Bowl Show. The KOKO recording studio connects to every room within KOKO and The House Of KOKO for recording and broadcasting live music, while also offering artists and members a space for recording, songwriting and podcasting.
Recent visits include musicians such as Anotr and Omah Lay, whilst the KOKO Foundation and its Arts Academy will also benefit from both the studio and its community of creative members.
Elsewhere, a new Miraval Members’ Balcony within KOKO Theatre, allows members of The House Of KOKO complimentary access to over 150 live shows each year along with their own private Bar.
The Miraval Members’ Balcony Bar in KOKO Theatre credit Taran Wilkhu
Over the past four years, KOKO continued to host established and emerging acts, including Liam Gallgher, Burna Boy, The Fugees, Pet Shop Boys, Jorja Smith, Cleo Sol, Jungle and Loyle Carner.
Upcoming concerts include Jon Batiste’s four-night residency, Sister Sledge, Flea And The Honura Band, Yebba, Armand Van Helden, GoGo Penguin and Cassius.
KOKO Electronic, which launched in April 2022, hosts 150 club nights each year. Programmed and promoted in-house, it has staged shows from DJ Koze, Midland, Max Cooper, Carlita, Monolink, Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers, Richie Hawtin, Andy C, Danny Tenaglia, Saliah, Fatima Yamaha, Armand Van Helden, TxC, Themba, Pete Tong, DJ Tunez, Groove Armada and Kölsch
The KOKO Foundation, a registered charity, launched in 2022 with a mission to empower future generations of artists. It is supported by ambassadors including Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.
KOKO has so far contributed £500,000 to its Foundation for music and community-based projects, with an aim of reaching £1m by 2030.
PHOTO: Main image: Gabriels at KOKO (credit Phoebe Fox)
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