Kōhī Sessions Lets You Be the DJ at 44 Stanley

Every first Sunday of the month, a coffee shop in Milpark hands over the decks to anyone who wants to play. Kōhī Sessions at 44 Stanley is a simple idea with surprising charm: bring your own vinyl or choose from their collection, put on a record, and share what you love.

 

The Concept: Everyone Is a DJ

 

Kōhī by Ifuku runs on a belief that good music is meant to be shared. The monthly sessions strip away the barriers between professional DJs and everyday music lovers. No experience required, no equipment needed, just sign up for a slot and play.

 

The result is an unpredictable mix: jazz, soul, obscure South African pressings, classic house. One session might start with Fela Kuti and end with a rare local jazz record pulled from someone’s family collection.

 

The Venue: 44 Stanley

 

Once an industrial complex, 44 Stanley has become one of Joburg’s most distinctive cultural and retail spaces. Independent shops, restaurants, and creative businesses fill its courtyards.

 

Kōhī fits seamlessly into this ecosystem. Known for carefully sourced beans and precise brewing, the coffee shop extends its attention to detail into music curation. On session days, the courtyard fills with shoppers, diners, and curious listeners who stay for the soundtrack.

 

Why Vinyl Sessions Work

 

Listening to records in a social setting feels different. Flipping sides creates natural pauses for conversation. Limited selections force intentional choices. You cannot just queue up hundreds of tracks, you have to decide what matters.

 

For a streaming generation, vinyl offers a tactile alternative: the crackle before the music starts, the large‑format artwork, the commitment of playing a full album. Mistakes, a skip, a wrong speed, a clumsy transition, become part of the charm.

 

Most importantly, Kōhī Sessions builds community. Regulars recognise each other, newcomers are welcomed, and the open format makes everyone feel part of the story.

 

What You Need to Know

 

• Where: Kōhī by Ifuku, 44 Stanley, Milpark

• When: First Sunday of every month

• Cost: Free to attend; coffee and food available for purchase

• How it works: Bring your own vinyl or use the shop’s collection. Sign up for a slot on arrival.

• Good to know: 44 Stanley has ample parking and plenty of shops to explore, make a morning of it.

 

Kōhī Sessions captures something Joburg does well: taking a simple idea, executing it with care, and creating space for genuine connection. In a city where nightlife often means cover charges and exclusivity, this open format feels refreshing. Show up, play what you love, and see what happens.