Street Supply combines music, art and merch
Published:Friday | January 24, 2025 | 12:08 AMOâ brian Wynter/Gleaner Writer
Street Supply Co, a Jamaican company redefining artiste merchandising and connecting music’s finest with fans in the Internet age, was a standout at the recently held New Wave Block Party. Featuring items from some of Jamaica’s top music and art talents, General Manager Rohan Scott and his team added vibrant energy to the event.
When asked about their presence at the Block Party, Scott summed it up simply.
“We do artist merchandise here in Jamaica, so we’re working with both musical artistes and visual artists. Whether it’s visual artists like Joshua Solas from The Bad Art Gallery or musicians like Lila Iké and Protoje, we literally market and distribute their merchandise,” he told Living.
In line with its philosophy, Street Supply showcased a range of merchandise at the event, including the popular ‘Fry Plantain’ collection by Lila Iké, inspired by her song of the same name. Known as ‘wearable art’, the line includes tote bags in eye-catching hues, including black, green, and white, priced at J$3,500 or US$23.
Lila Iké is one of Street Supply’s most notable collaborators. “I’ve known Lila since she started, and she’s a gem,” Scott said of his experience working with the rising star. “She has a big heart and is a truly amazing person. I knew she was going to be a superstar as soon as I heard her perform at King David in Half-Way Tree.”
Street Supply also had vinyl albums of Protoje’s In Search of Zion alongside beige and black T-shirts designed to match the vinyl collection. The selection also featured items from dancehall talent Valiant, as well as Labour Day-themed T-shirts from No Long Talking, adding a fresh twist to the evening’s offerings.
The goal of the streetwear brand is to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Scott claims that one of the most important ways that fans may now interact with their favourite artiste is through artiste goods. “We live in a digital age where everything is streamed,” Scott said, adding, “So right now, artiste merchandise is extremely important. It’s one of the only ways that an artiste can truly physically connect with their fans in this digital age. So, yes, we at Street Supply, I believe, play a pivotal role in supplying that demand for the fans out there, so they can have something physical. Whether it’s a vinyl record that they can have, play or hold; or even a T-shirt they can have and get autographed, as something physical and special.”
Through their flagship store at Dubwise Cafe on Lady Musgrave Road and pop-up at events, Street Supply creates spaces where fans can connect with their favourite musicians. Their monthly Kingston Vinyl event, featuring music exclusively on vinyl from various genres, is quickly becoming a staple of Kingston’s cultural scene. The next event, promising fresh vinyl arrivals and a nostalgic celebration of music, is set for January 31.
Scott shared his plans for Street Supply in 2025, aiming to expand, “We started as an online store facilitating pop-ups like this, but we plan to open additional locations soon to accommodate our growing inventory and audience.”