Nightclub manager Joel Ighe started his career at the infamous Yaki-Da in Göteborg, which was responsible for putting him in touch with what he describes as “lots of amazing people”. A couple of months ago the stars aligned and he got a great opportunity – to take responsibility for bookings at the newly-opened Nobelberget, run by the same people who created Trädgården and Under Bron. He now works there with his friend Johanna Beckman, who is the creative and artistic director for the venue.
So, what is Nobelberget?
We don’t know exactly yet. This is a business of people and attitude, and you can’t really be sure exactly what something is until the people have set foot in your space and established the attitude. But we have a lot of dance floors, and an enormous amount of insanely good bookings. We have the best people in the country working with us. It feels like a good set up.
What is your plan for Nobelberget?
To create something way more than a night club. A free space for all kinds of people. We’re in it to invent a new perspective on how the youth of today socialize. We want to invite rather than divide. Open rather than close.
How much will all this awesomeness cost for the visiting club-goers?
At the premiere we had the pre-sale tickets at 180 kronor but then you got Goat, Mapei, Matriarkatet, Dida and Dj Paypal, plus a lot of DJs! Otherwise it will be somewhere between 120 and 150 kronor depending on the night. When there are live bookings it will cost more depending on who is playing.
We heard something about a queer club on the premises too?
Yes. George Chamoun will be hosting a HBTQ-only club called Venus every Friday and Saturday. He is the best and he’s about to create something amazing at Venus.
What are your feelings about moving to Stockholm from Gothenburg?
It’s bittersweet. But being out and about in Gothenburg almost every weekend for the past five years has resulted in me really appreciating this break, meeting new people, and enjoying Gullmarsplan with my room mate.
How is the nightlife different in the two cities?
I mean, it’s kind of the same but very different. This city is way more forgiving somehow, I feel it’s easier to pursue the things I want to here. Gothenburg is an old working class city with everything that comes with it. A little bit of bad self esteem, but it’s also a very humble environment.
What do you like about the respective nightlife of the two cities?
In Gothenburg there are only two clubs worth mentioning: Yaki-Da and Mythos. The best of both worlds basically. In Stockholm I like going wherever Johanna Schneider is playing.
What are you most looking forward to in your new job?
Everything! Diversity is always key for me. The contrast between running a really heavy bar and taking care of guests and artists has always been the thing for me.
What will be the biggest challenge?
Making sure that the attitude gets right – you can steer it somewhat but in another way it’s like a force of nature, especially when it comes to this large amount of people. But we have a vision of a vibe where people from all over come together in a peaceful manner.
How do you think the nightlife in Stockholm can get better?
I honestly think Nobelberget can bring something very new and good to the table. And as I said before, it’s more than just nightlife. It’s an attitude, a matter of love for each other, for having fun together, no matter where you’re from, who you are or where you’re going. As long as you get the vibe you’ll be a part of making the entire city of Stockholm better. A lot better. Also, I love going to Trädgården during the summer, like everybody else.
Any dates we shouldn’t miss?
Madi Banja is a amazing rapper that will have a big show at Nobelberget on December 11. We’re also having the Sónar Stockholm festival at Nobelberget in February with Yung Lean, The Black Madonna and Rødhåd among others in the line up. It’s gonna be insane.
