A music bar that is also a radio station and record label champions grassroots artists and the local community – with all walks of life welcome to get in on the amazing atmosphere.
The venue at 30 Deptford Church Street is an innovative blend of broadcasting, communal hub and bar which was set up local residents Owen Howells and Samuel Willott in 2018.
Initially, it started as a record label that championed local and underground artists. Over time, it transformed into something much larger, becoming a vibrant community space and bar.
Housed in a 350-capacity indoor/outdoor space known as The AAJA Snake Pit, the venue has welcomed a diverse range of musical talents, including OK Williams, Viktor Ivkovic, Jeremy Sylvester, Al Wooton, and Tia Couzins.
The space, which is currently located in a brick railway arch, operates seven days a week and boasts two radio suites, setting the stage for a truly immersive and unique broadcasting.
In September 2023, they unveiled a new permanent subterranean event, radio, and community space beneath Deptford High Street -The AAJA Basement.
This will be their future home and the team are excited to welcome the wider public in the near future – emphasising that “all are welcome”.
It promises to be the perfect subterranean sanctuary, offering state-of-the-art studios, radio suites and a refreshed community space - rivalling the charm and character of the beloved AAJA Snake Pit.
The AAJA brand continues to inspire listeners and visitors alike to the vibrant beats of shared inclusivity, camaraderie and creativity.
They aim to unite people in south east London and beyond, reinforcing the sense of community through their radio broadcasts, especially during the Covid lockdown periods.
Owen and Sam said: “We imagine people visit again because it’s a welcoming environment, with all walks of life.
“Often people are joined together through their shared love of music, under one roof. We feel this also applies to our listeners outside of South East London who tune in.
“Covid, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns really taught us how DIY broadcasting (and listening) can really help connect the disconnected.”
The passionate team at AAJA play an important role in creating this welcoming atmosphere.
Sirak, a long-time AAJA team member and a recent dad, also goes by the alias "Siru" when he's DJing. He hosts the "Ignorance is Blitz" show on AAJA.
Sirak's love for music shines through, and he's always ready to share his favourite tracks, like E-Dancer's "Heavenly (Juan Atkins Remix)," Alter Ego's "Daktari (Ricardo Villalobos Remix)," and Dillinja's "Promise."
Their menu boasts beverages from Pale Ale and Asahi to flavourful white and red wines, as well as an assortment of caffeine fixations and creative cocktails.
Their toasted sandwiches accommodate all, with vegan and vegetarian variants available.
AAJA, with its future home venue announced, continues to strive to fostering community ties and fill the gaps in Lewisham’s ongoing developments.
Owen and Sam have encouraged the community to support their local music spaces, as times are tough within the industry at the current time: “When you can afford it and if you like music, get out and support your local grassroots music space or project.
“Just yesterday we heard of a space closing and we had been meaning to get out and check it out for ourselves.
“It served us as a reminder that often things are on a knife's edge for music spaces. So if you can, get out to a local spot, grab a ticket to a show or party.”
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