Luno announces innovative partnership with London’s KOKO in multi-million pound deal

Luno, the global cryptocurrency platform with over 10m users, has today announced an innovative, new partnership with London’s KOKO, which marks the platform making its first steps into the music and entertainment space.  KOKO and Luno aim to empower the next generation of artists by creating exciting opportunities through live streaming, digital and blockchain technology. Luno and KOKO will launch a beautifully designed new space within the theatre ‘The Luno’ with a state of the art digital gallery,. KOKO holds a long standing legacy in music and the arts. Charlie Chaplin once performed on its stage, Monty Python, The Goon Show and The Rolling Stones broadcast from its studios and Charles Dickens used to pop in for a drink. Madonna, Prince, Kanye, Amy Winehouse, Stormzy, Dave and Dua Lipa are just some of the musicians to have graced its stage. Now, 122 years after it originally opened and after three years of restoration, KOKO will open its doors once again on April 29th 2022 following an extensive £70m restoration and redevelopment, which will see it transformed from the historic Victorian theatre into a 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art live music venue and broadcasting house complete with the new Cafe KOKO on the ground floor, a shop featuring DJs and merch drops and four new floors for members above which includes access to a stunning new roof terrace and conservatory, dome cocktail bar, penthouse and recording studio, piano room, library, a hidden speakeasy, stage kitchen and vinyl rooms. As part of this new partnership, The Luno, a  stunning new multi format space at the top of the 19th century theatre is launched. The new space has its own entrance and will host late night DJ shows, digital art exhibitions, and immersive events.  The Luno promises to deliver informative talks and workshops for the public, focusing on decentralising technology, cryptocurrencies and how they are revolutionising the relationship between music, artists and fans. As part of this new partnership between KOKO and Luno, the emphasis will be to support emerging talent through a series of livestreams allowing the musicians to develop and grow a global fanbase. KOKO has a deep history in supporting musicians and is responsible for giving an early platform to countless acts who have shaped the musical landscape from H.E.R. and Stormzy to Dave, J Cole and Dua Lipa.  Luno’s partnership will help to establish KOKO’s new emerging artist programme, aiding live music after two years of turbulence caused by the pandemic. Alongside this, the partnership promises to offer exclusive access and events for Luno customers:

• KOKO x Luno Fan Experiences: Series of perks allowing for backstage access, meet and greets, and much more
• Ticket giveaways: over 1000 tickets for fans to win via social media throughout the year
• Presale tickets: KOKO will provide a 48-hour presale window for Luno customers
• Queue jump and early access: Opportunity for Luno customers to gain first entry to their favourite acts
• Special offers:  Special offers on KOKO and select one off merch drops

Sam Kopelman, UK Country Manager, Luno said:  “KOKO is a cultural institution  and for decades has used its stage to put the spotlight on emerging talent as well as some of the biggest acts in the world. We could not think of a better partner for our first step into the music and entertainment space and we cannot wait to put our support behind live music in the UK after such a difficult two years for the industry. “Every day the relationship between crypto and music grows stronger, with blockchain innovations beginning to revolutionise the industry.  With KOKO we look forward to working with artists and helping them realise the potential of decentralised technology, giving them greater control over their music and their futures.” Seb Croft, KOKO’s Commercial Director said: “KOKO is about celebrating 122 years of culture, whilst fiercely stepping into the future. Our partnership with Luno will allow us to be at the forefront of blockchain technology, supporting artists in new ways and providing game-changing experiences for fans.The opportunities for us to innovate together in the music and entertainment space are endless” Olly Bengough, KOKO’s CEO/Founder said: “It’s exciting to enter this dynamic new partnership at such an important moment in time, as blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise the future of music.  Luno have successfully built up a global community of innovators and creators pioneering in this space, and for KOKO to join forces as web.03 becomes an exciting new horizon for us all, gives KOKO a truly unique opportunity to take part in this ever evolving new space”