Jon Iroko — Practice Portfolio

"Deep roots. Open canopy."

A practice in reclaiming African spiritual and cultural narrative — told through scripture, cloth, and sound. Writing under Jon Iroko, recording as Jon Blaco.

Gombe / Lagos, Nigeria · johnpangara.com · Est. self-taught practice, 9 years

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The Practice

One argument, three materials

I work across writing, fashion, and music — not as separate lanes, but as one idea told in different materials: that African spiritual identity doesn't need a Western framework to be legitimate or contemporary. It can write its own scripture. It can cut its own cloth. It can write its own hymn.

Every project below is the same thesis, worn differently.

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Writing — In Publication

The New Testament of John

A scripture-style literary work, targeting 10,000 verses, reframing narrative and identity through a distinctly African lens. Published serially via The #Free Newsletter, with early archive access available to subscribers.

Freedom isn't free.
It is the most expensive itinerary on life's menu. — The New Testament of John

Ongoing — currently drafting the next volume

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Fashion — In Development

Save Yourself

A line of linen and cotton robes built on a reclaimed African spiritual aesthetic. Built on three pillars: The Body as Temple, Comfort as Resistance, The Prophet is Local. The anchor piece, The Prophet's Coat, sets the tone for everything that follows.

The Prophet's Coat — a hooded robe in ochre, rust, and olive block-woven linen — The Prophet's Coat

Launching soon — saveyourself.clothing

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Music — In Production

Jon Blaco / Big Free Blk

Recording under Qwarawa Entertainment. Currently building Big Free Blk: Free Forever Vol. 1, a hip-hop project rooted in Northern Nigerian heritage — opening with "Premier of the North," a track built around a deliberate juxtaposition of northern and eastern Nigerian identity.

Listen to a song demo →

In production — targeting release this year