our nerdy side
Archives.
What is Archives?
Sauna Archives documents, explores, and preserves African pop culture, with a particular focus on music. It makes room for the stories, ideas, scenes, and conversations that shape culture, and gives them context that people can return to over time.
The work can take different forms, including writing, research, Substack publishing, and reading and discussion through Sauna Chapters. Together, these formats help Sauna look closely at the music and culture around it: what is happening, what it means to the people involved, and how it connects to a wider history.
On the Substack
Field notes.
Deep dives, liner notes and the history behind the records we play. New pieces every couple of weeks, free to read.
substack.com/@saunagh
- 01BLACK STAR: THE SIGN OF THE TIMESWritten for Sauna by Nyameye ‘Kiki’ Akumia.20 May 2026 · 8 min read
- 02The Resurgence of the Alté Scene in Ghana and NigeriaA New Wave of African Expression24 Jan 2026 · 5 min read
- 03Understanding South African House Music: Forms, Roots, and EvolutionIn South Africa, music has long served as a tool of survival, resistance, and celebration.24 Jan 2026 · 12 min read
The Sauna book club
One book a month.
We pick it together, read at our own pace and meet for one long afternoon to argue about it. Anyone can come.
Ama Ata Aidoo
Changes: A Love Story
November's book
Changes: A Love Story
by Ama Ata Aidoo
Changes: A Love Story (1991) by Ghanaian author Ama Ata Aidoo is a novel exploring modern African womanhood, marriage, and the limits of personal freedom.
- Next meet-up
- Sat 14 Nov, 1PM
- Where
- No. 19
- Seats
- 20
The series on this side
One way in.
1 of the 6 series
Three sides of Sauna.
Archives gives Sauna’s work memory. It builds a record of the people, sounds, and ideas that matter to the community. By documenting culture as it develops, Sauna Archives helps make that work easier to discover, discuss, and carry forward.
our fun side
Connects
Link-ups, games nights and the reasons we actually meet each other.
our nerdy side
You're hereArchives
Deep dives, liner notes and the history behind the records we play.
our creative side
Studio
Visuals, design and collaborations with the artists around us.