Video
Aniff Akinola
The Gallery
2025

In this captivating interview, I sit down with Aniff Akinola, a true “music survivor” who has been a key figure in the Manchester club scene since 1979. From his early days exploring the underground club culture to co-writing Voodoo Ray, forming Chapter and The Verse, and working on Urban Cookie Collective and Backyard Dog, Aniff’s journey is deeply intertwined with the evolution of UK music. In this episode, we focus on The Gallery, one of Manchester’s most influential clubs, run by Omar Guedar. The Gallery was the only club in the city during the 1980s that truly represented Black music on a Saturday night. Omar welcomed everyone, and DJs like Hewan Clarke brought fresh sounds, helping to shape the future of clubbing. Aniff reflects on the role of The Gallery in pioneering House music, playing rare tracks like Adonis – No Way Back as early as December 1984. Aniff recalls the police raids that frequently disrupted Black clubs, highlighting the challenges faced by the community. He also shares memories of legendary Manchester venues, including Precinct 13 and The Reno in Moss Side, where the crowd would bang bottles on tables if they loved a track. The Reno had its fair share of famous visitors, including Alex “Hurricane” Higgins, and even Tony Wilson and Rob Gretton, who held their stag do there. The influence of House music spread quickly. At first, DJs referred to it as “Garage”, linking it to Paradise Garage, before it evolved into Acid House. Aniff and Colin Thorpe experimented with playing House music off a 4-track at The Gallery under the name “Slip”, pushing the underground scene forward. Despite some skepticism, House music proved its staying power, and by 1988, tracks like D Mob – We Call It Acieed were taking over the UK. Aniff shares a powerful moment at Playpen nightclub, watching a girl unconsciously tap her foot to House music, despite arguing with her boyfriend. It was then that he realized: this music was unstoppable. He also reminisces about bringing Rick Clarke to The Gallery, hearing Gabrielle’s “Dreams” long before it became a hit, and experiencing the raw energy of Soul Control, a sound system crew that shook up Manchester’s music scene. At the end of the interview, I ask Aniff for a track that defines The Gallery, and his choice is Lil Louis – Blackout, a song that brought the club to life every time it played. This conversation is a deep dive into the roots of Manchester’s club culture, from Shabeens and drinking dens to Acid House and beyond.