Nothing says it’s a new year like the opening of a new music and arts café in the heart of the city’s creativesphere.
Emphatically light on the ‘turn up’ and heavy on passion bent on creating a space in which the arts community can develop their craft and skills through eclectic and original performances, showcases, exhibitions, workshops and special events, Jojo’s Music and Arts Café is a cool new corner currently serving chilli poppers, tacos and a whole lot of vinyl.
Brewing coffee and courting creativity at the Old Breweries Complex are owners Joonas and Joolokeni Leskelä whose zeal for art and music inspired them to create a ‘living room’ space for Windhoek’s flourishing art scene.
“Namibia is booming with exciting new acts and art forms but we realised that it lacked a venue that also allowed new -comers to hone their craft,” says Joolokeni.
“JoJo’s aims to provide an inspiring meeting place for a community of people interested in arts and culture, whilst also serving quality food in a laid back atmosphere.”
Fresh with the food is Dankie whose menu, designed by Twiitileni Cockburn of Mobile Chef, champions light, casual and able to eat with your fingers.
Offering a much-needed Mexican tilt to a city ceaselessly serving steak, Jojo’s certainly seems to be the spot for quesadillas, tacos, chilli poppers, salads and open sandwiches alongside a revolving daily special.
Relatively quiet by day with a laid back ambiance carried through to their evenings with the addition of live performances and shows, Jojo’s is described as a perfect place for casual meetings and digital nomads seeking stillness. And free Wi-Fi.
Exhibition walls are available to selected local artists attempting to sell their art and the Leskela’s are also on the lookout for musicians’ mixtapes.
“We would like to see the arts community taking an active role in Jojo’s. We hope that customers are there to support Namibian art and encourage its development. We most certainly do not want to be the next ‘turn-up’ spot in Windhoek but rather want to promote a lifestyle of substance,” says Joolokeni.
Calling all artists and art appreciators to be inspired whilst listening to hip-hop head and co-founder Joonas Leskela’s crazy vinyl collection, Jojo’s opened last Saturday with performances by Blend, the mellow mash-up of Nesindano ‘Truth’ Namises and Christian Polloni followed by poetic pieces by Okin and Ali of Black Vulcanite.
Tomorrow, Jojo’s will be kicking off their visual art appreciation with the opening of ‘Devoid’ an exhibition by Nambowa Malua which starts at 19h00.
“JoJo’s is a place for conscious entertainment where you can hang out for hours discussing art, culture and life,” says Joolokeni.
Undoubtedly noble in their pursuits and shameless about not serving shots, Jojo’s Music and Arts Café has certainly arrived honest, odd and with an intriguing ellipsis.
Jojo’s Music and Arts Café is situated at the Old Breweries Complex. They are open from 11h00 to 22h00 from Tuesday to Thursday and until 23h00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Join Jojo’s page on Facebook to keep up with their events and visit their website to view their menu. Contact info@jojos.com.na for more.
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