London’s legendary venue KOKO is celebrating a major milestone, marking its 125th anniversary with a series of ambitious initiatives designed to solidify its position as a premier cultural destination. The Camden institution, which has served as a cornerstone of the city's music scene since 1901, is looking toward the future by launching a state-of-the-art recording studio and significantly expanding its KOKO Electronic programming.
Throughout its storied history, the venue has hosted an array of iconic performers, from Madonna and Prince to Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones. During its tenure as The Camden Palace between 1982 and 2004, it became a vital hub for club culture, welcoming legendary figures such as Carl Cox, Sasha, Paul Oakenfold, LTJ Bukem, and Depeche Mode.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the venue is doubling down on its commitment to electronic music. The KOKO Electronic program will feature an impressive roster of talent, including Armand Van Helden, Uncle Waffles, Beltran, Ben Sterling, Paco Osuna, Jazzy Jeff, and Desiree.
Beyond the stage, the venue has unveiled the new KOKO Recording Studio. Situated within the House of KOKO penthouse, the facility features high-end Solid State Logic hardware—notably the same mixing desk utilized during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance. This space is designed to be fully integrated with the building’s performance areas, facilitating seamless recording, live broadcasting, and content creation.
Since its comprehensive three-year restoration and subsequent reopening in 2022, KOKO has evolved into a multi-space cultural powerhouse. It now hosts over 1,000 DJs, 300 live music events, and 300 cultural events annually, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
Photo credit: @jcrispinphoto