This year, London’s beloved KOKO celebrates its 125th anniversary and they’ve got some huge plans for the year ahead.
Kicking off the first stage of the celebrations, the KOKO team have put together a special video, ‘If These Walls Could Talk’, directed by Ned Botwood, with Creative Direction from KOKO founder Olly Bengough and produced by Somesuch.
The short film takes us on a sprint through KOKO’s long and eventful history, beginning in the 1900s with actress Ellen Terry, who opened the venue in 1901, through a cast of characters from across the venue’s history. Alongside that, they also released a teaser trailer that gives a glimpse at the staggering number of legends who have taken the stage at KOKO, including Prince, Amy Winehouse, the Rolling Stones, and Madonna.
Since reopening in 2022 after three years of extensive renovations following the devastating fire that ripped through the venue and threatened its very existence, KOKO bounced back bigger than ever with iconic performances from Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, Burna Boy, Central Cee, Kaytranada and many more.
Those renovations brought a lot of change to the club, with Bengough expanding the venue to include the massive main theatre, Cafe KOKO, and the House Of KOKO Members’ Club. This year, however, adds even more to the KOKO family, including a brand new recording studio and members’ balcony.
Built in the Penthouse of the House of KOKO, the new KOKO Recording Studio features state-of-the-art equipment from Solid State Logic, including the same mixing desk that was used for Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Super Bowl Show. Access to record and broadcast in the studio will be open to artists, House Of KOKO members, and the KOKO Arts Academy.
The new Miraval Members’ Balcony, situated within KOKO Theatre, gives House of KOKO members complimentary access to over 150 live shows every year and a private bar.
As for live music, 2026 is shaping up to be a suitably big one for KOKO. Among the highlights for the year are Cassius, Sister Sledge, Flea and the Honura Band, Yebba, Armand Van Helden, GoGo Penguin, and a four-night residency from Jon Batiste.
For more info, head to www.koko.co.uk and www.thehouseofkoko.com.
