Barnawa nights
How an old print works on Kachia Road became a listening room, told by the people who built it. An invented history for this demo.
Chapter IIAn old print works
An old print works
For thirty years the building on Kachia Road printed school exercise books. When the presses moved out in 2014, the founders, two music teachers and a cook, rented the ground floor for rehearsals. Neighbours began to gather at the window on Friday nights, and by the end of that year there were chairs inside.
Chapter IIIBuilding a listening room
Building a listening room
The first stage was four pallets and a carpet. The slatted walls came in 2017, built by a carpenter from Kakuri who refused to be paid until he had heard the first concert. The balcony followed in 2019, using the old paper store.
Chapter IVWho plays here
Who plays here
From the start the rule was simple: musicians are paid a fair fee, every night, however many people come. That is why players travel from Abuja, Jos and Zaria to sit in, and why the Tuesday jam has produced three of our regular bands.
Chapter VWhat comes next
What comes next
A recording room upstairs, so bands can make an album where they play best, and a scholarship for two young players a year. Velvet Circle members fund both.
Questions
Can I visit in the day?
The room opens for tours on Saturdays at noon. Ask the box office.
Is the history real?
On this demo it is invented. Your site would tell your own story.
CodaLast call for tables
Hear it for yourself
Pick a night and book a table.
Evening shows are for guests aged 18 and over. Please bring ID.