Since opening its doors in 2018, Aaja Radio has grown into one of South East London’s most beloved cultural hubs. A community radio station, bar and event space built on curiosity, creativity and a deep love of music. Powered by a unique, hi-spec sound system that’s “non-intrusive but heavy for the heads,” Aaja Radio has become an authentic melting pot where DJs, artists and listeners gather to share ideas, discover new sounds and celebrate underground culture. With a newly opened record store, Crates R Us, the message of spreading sounds has found a new dimension.
To showcase the breadth and brilliance of the residents who shape the station’s identity, we asked the Aaja Radio crew to highlight some of the standout shows that define the station’s spirit. From genre-hopping deep dives and political sonics to vinyl-only power hours, boundary-pushing club sounds and heartfelt community storytelling. “Usually cited as a majority electronic music station, Aaja has undergone a recent period of growth and expansion, now featuring a wide variety of genres within the community,” the crew tells Mixcloud. “These selected mixes traverse Aaja Radio’s journey, spanning a range of genres, hosts and moods.”
Car Boot w/ Mezino Whiskey
Aaja Radio: “Mezino is a recent addition to Aaja’s programme. Over the course of each show, Mezino peruses ‘antiques and oddities’ as if they are for sale at his car boot stand. The show is predominantly led by music but features pieces of prose, poetry and spoken word.”
Gardening/Gathering Songs of Resistance w/ SHEGOTSOUL
“SHEGOTSOUL presents an episodic radio show, each installment speaking to the ability of music to nourish and facilitate meaningful and transformative change. ‘Gardening and Gathering Songs Of The Resistance’ is an intended slow music journey where we are learning the importance of embodiment through music. The importance of revolution and hope through the power of music, unity and community through the elements of music, the importance of change and the importance of difference.”
Aynjel’s Plastic Club
“Aynjel is a musician, vinyl DJ and tattoo artist. She specializes in late 1970s and early 1980s new wave, post punk, early 80s indie & all things spooky. ‘Aynjel’s Plastic Club’ often invites guests for theme-based shows, with this episode inviting fashion history expert Eylem, deep-diving into 2000’s emo hits. In true Plastic Club fashion, Anyjel roams Punk, Post-Punk and goth.”
Dear Boss (DJ SP & Grohs)
“Our beloved Graeme and Stuart have been a part of Aaja since the early days. Expect the unexpected, obscure b-sides and other oddities. They began ‘Dear Boss’ in 2013, deciding to focus on the stranger, less obvious, yet still groovy and often psychedelic sounds that get heads nodding and feet moving. Think Post-Punk, No-wave, Balearic, Techno, Dub and everything in between.
This mix from 2020 is a tribute to the legend Mr. Andrew Weatherall, playing his music, productions, remixes and inspirations. It was a lovely all-dayer live from Aaja’s previous home in Deptford Market Yard, also featuring a few guest appearances from friends. Alongside tuning into their show, you can join Dear Boss in the bar room at the Aaja Basement on the fourth Friday of every month 6pm-midnight.”
West Norwood Cassette Library
“Presenting ‘Bass and Bleeps’ from SE27, West Norwood Cassette Library (WNCL) is a label based in South East London. Every month, they present an hour of Bass, Techno, Dubstep, Jungle and more, delivered exclusively on vinyl. This show celebrates WNCL’s one year anniversary as an Aaja resident, sharing the finest Bass across the power hour.”
DJ Cosmic Bob
“Where to begin with our much loved Cosmic Bob?! Cosmic has had a show with Aaja since our beginnings in Deptford Market Yard. He is also a founding member of Love Will Save The Day FM, a cooperative-run radio station and community for everybody, and a resident on Sister Midnight FM. Alongside various radio shows, projects and DJing, Cosmic is also a music writer and has been sharing updates to his Substack ‘Cosmic Bob Loves You’ over the last year or so. Within this time, he published a tender reflection on the significance of community radio through lockdown, and its significance through that period of time.”
At The Dojo
“‘At The Dojo’ is a monthly exploration of battle dance styles. Host and music journalist Joseph Francis (AKA JOHTO) mixes Footwork and Kuduro with twists of Techno, Dembow and VGM and almost always invites a guest on the show. These guests are chosen either because they DJ a battle dance style or are a dancer, or both! In the second half of this episode Aaja’s very own Joseph Wood (also producer and dancer) shares his Coupé Decalé and Baile Funk tracks, and performs some of his music live on a Roland hand drum!”
Action At A Distance
“‘Action at a Distance’ is the sonic playground of Fabs and Hines. Their monthly show weaves between a broad spectrum of sound, fed by their insatiable appetites for gigs, raves, digging, mixing and other sonic explorations. Their friendship is clearly a close one, the energy of which can be felt through the airwaves. Especially after Fabs’ recent maternal hiatus. This episode marks their second show reunion and spans everything from Electronica to Minnie Riperton.”
Jog w/ Priyaji
“Priyaji is the alternative moniker of London-based Indian artist Noni-Mouse. She creates an alternative club setting, where one can sway, rest, reflect and dance at the same time. In this episode she is joined by Mumbai/LA-based sound artist Krishna Jhaveri. The show is truly eclectic, featuring experimental sound art, perfect for deeper listening, alongside more sounds of the dancefloor.“
Retazo w/ Lei Di Dai
“Retazo is Club Bodega’s exploration of Latin culture and sounds at Aaja every month. The show often features special guests; this time with Lei Di Dai, hailed as ‘Brazilian Queen of Dancehall’. Over a long career, she has established herself as one of the leading voices in Dancehall and sound system culture. Club Bodega is a Queer Latinx scene hosting welcoming events in South East London.”
The Excelsior Experience: Bok Bok b2b Excelsior
“Join Excelsior and Bok Bok for two hours of music straight from the club. Usually you may expect the latest sounds in percussive club music, such as Gqom, Bass, Techno and electronic sounds, though there is no limit to the genres Excelsior may play. Though, frequently you’ll hear a track produced by Night Slugs co-founder, DJ and producer Bok Bok. In this special installation, Excelsior invites Bok Bok to the show. Listen in for a full-circle collaboration and Bok Bok’s wonderfully distinctive sound.”
Lead photo taken at Aaja Radio’s ‘Save Our Scene’ party with Ahadadream.