New Altadena Store Offers African, Caribbean and Rasta Items

Bright colored clothing, the sound of a young customer playing an African instrument and owner Onochie Chukwurah greeted me as I entered Rhythms of the Village last week.

A couple people happened to be sketching a draft of the new sign outside the store, which opened at 2279 North Lake Avenue about two weeks ago. 

See photos of the shop in the gallery attached to this post.

Chukwurah, a Nigerian native, shared more about the shop in a brief video interview with Patch. Check back to see the video. 

Chukwurah and his family make much of the store’s products, from paintings to brightly dyed women’s clothing, Bob Marley t-shirts, books, art and more. Djembe drums and other African instruments and décor are displayed near the front of the shop.

One section displays Aunt Hattie’s House oils, “wearable art” and other items inspired by the Southern U.S. and Caribbean, while urban, rasta and hiphop items are showcased nearby.

The name Rhythms of the Village comes from the idea that “everything we do has rhythms” and “the world is a village full of rhythms,” Chukwurah told Patch.

Rhythms of the Village will hold its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 27 and hopes to offer drum lessons and other activities after that date.

Its current hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and they can be reached at 626-233-1347. 

All photos by Jessica Hamlin.

Have you been to Rhythms of the Village? What do you think of this new store opening in Altadena? Share in the comments.