Program Description
Gem Nwannem brings a deep vinyl selection to Mono Space for an evening of guided listening rooted in the golden era of highlife. Between records, Gem will share the origin of these songs, who made them, why they matter, and how a genre born in struggle became one of the most joyful sounds of the twentieth century.
About Gem Nwannem
Gem was born in Aba, Nigeria to a family of music lovers, collectors and organizers. When they migrated to the United States, that music came with them as a tether to the culture that existed, traveled, and survived. Gem Nwannem is an Igbo-Nigerian-NYer. A crate digger, archivist, and selector whose practice is built around a conviction that the music of the African diaspora deserves to be remembered, heard, and kept alive. Gem's sets move through West African highlife, jazz, disco, boogie, and funk, built less around genre and more around narrative. Gem hosts Afternoon Jump Radio on KFFP 90.3 fm and is grateful to be a part of the Mono Space community.
The Listening Experience
This program is part of Mono Space’s intentional listening series, a seated, focused format centered around the OJAS hi-fi sound system. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, with 30 minutes of open listening before and after. Up to 50 guests gather in a shared setting to experience curated recordings, guided by a host who offers context and reflections as the music unfolds. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Phones and cameras are set aside to support attention and presence. Details about visiting the space, accessibility, and ticketing can be found in the FAQs.
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