Nigeria’s Jazzhole is getting the praise it deserves (and a clothing line, too)
Photography by Jurnee Peter Chukwu and creative direction by Daniel Obaweya
Lagos' legendary record shop and cultural hub gets a new merch line courtesy of a collab between Yoon Ahn, Soldier and PTSF.
Style
Words: Eni Subair
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Little did designer Yoon Ahn know that when she attended Homecoming festival in Nigeria for the first time this year, she’d stumble upon a place that would ground her latest creative project. “AMBUSH [Yoon’s jewellery line] has been part of my friends Grace Ladoja and Alex Sossah’s Homecoming in Lagos since 2018, but I was only able to attend in person for the first time in April,” she says of the annual music, art and fashion festival. “I visited Jazzhole, met the family, and we immediately connected.”
Jazzhole isn’t just a record store planted in Ikoyi, Lagos, it’s an establishment that has become a pillar for those looking to discover – or rediscover – long forgotten vinyls and rare records for over 30 years. Yoon knew she had to commemorate the space somehow. “After I returned to Tokyo, KJ [Jazzhole founder Olakunle Tejuoso’s son], reached out to ask if we could create some merch for Jazzhole.” Artist Leonard Iheagwam – aka Soldierboyfriend – and Pablo Attal of PTSF worked alongside Yoon for months to create a capsule collection designed across Paris, Tokyo and Nigeria. On 21st December, you’ll be able to pick up screen-printed T‑shirts and vests from the store – and online – and witness a live performance fronted by The Jazzhole Recording band. It’ll be an evening that embodies Lagos’ “chaos, warmth, and raw energy”.
If you could listen to one record from Jazzhole forever, what would it be?
It would be something from the The Jazzhole Recording Band, led by Abideen Yusuf Olatunji and KunNiraN & the Afara Oyin Stars Band.
If you had to sum up the vibe of the collection in one word, what would it be?
Polyphonic.
What’s your favourite hidden spot in Lagos for inspiration?
It’s not really hidden, but the open markets. That’s where you feel Lagos in 360° – the colour, the noise, the hustle, the way people move. It’s the best place to get inspired.
