Kemi Tijaniqudus is a pioneering entrepreneur who has significantly influenced the Bay Area’s Afro music and culinary scenes. Her journey began in 2006 as a female promoter in the Bay Area, organizing events with Afrobeats stars such as Tuface and Psquare and co-managing music acts like Nneka during a time when Afrobeats was still emerging globally. Kemi played an instrumental role in promoting African music, often personally distributing CDs and flyers to local DJs.

Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed at her brother’s club, Air Lounge, a key venue for Oakland’s nightlife. During reggae nights, Kemi introduced jollof rice to patrons, blending her passion for music and Nigerian cuisine. This love for food and event production led her to pursue a degree in mass communication and advertising at Cal State East Bay. She initially ventured into the art world but found her true calling in the food industry.

Although Jollof Kitchen has never owned a restaurant, Kemi’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and community building has turned it into a cultural phenomenon.

In 2012, Kemi launched Jollof Kitchen, a catering business that has become a cornerstone of the Bay Area’s food scene. Renowned for its authentic Nigerian dishes, the venture has served a wide range of clients, from community events and festivals to schools and private events for major companies like YouTube/Google and Facebook/Meta. Jollof Kitchen has also catered to celebrities, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, Nneka, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Olamide, Fireboy, Joe Boy, Rüger, and many more.

In 2019, Kemi founded Jollof and Vibes, a networking event that originated in Nigeria during the festive excitement of Detty December. After its initial success, she brought the event to the Bay Area, hosting it quarterly. The event quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved gathering for food, culture, and music enthusiasts. Now hosted annually to allow space for other projects, Jollof and Vibes remains a highly anticipated tradition.

Kemi’s culinary expertise has earned her significant accolades. She has won the Jollof Festival multiple times, earning a reputation for creating the best jollof rice. Her victories caught the attention of KQED Food, which featured her in their coverage of the festival. As Kemi continues to grow her culinary reach, she remains an ambassador for Nigerian cuisine, enriching the Bay Area with her legacy of culture, flavor, and community.

In addition to her work with Jollof Kitchen, Kemi is the Bay Area Festival Director for African Restaurant Week, a role that allows her to promote African cuisine and culture on a broader scale. Her leadership underscores her dedication to bringing authentic African flavors to a wider audience.