An Interview with the Founders of Bayab Gin: Celebrating African Flavors and Innovation 

Meet Chris and Damola: Co-Founders of Bayab Gin 

Bayab Gin is a revolutionary African spirit reshaping gin culture with its bold flavors and sustainable ethos. Founded by two UK-based entrepreneurs, the brand is deeply inspired by African heritage, incorporating unique botanicals native to the continent. As a British-founded company, we’re proud to align with Bayab Gin’s mission to celebrate African culture and craftsmanship. Each bottle of Bayab Gin not only embodies a commitment to sustainability but also tells a story of innovation and respect for tradition, offering a truly distinctive gin experience.

In this interview, Chris and Damola share their journey, the inspiration behind their brand, and how they’re celebrating African heritage one bottle at a time. 

Hey Chris, Hey Damola! Your story starts 20 years ago—can you tell us about how Bayab Gin came to life and what inspired the journey? 

Chris and I met at college 20 years ago, which makes us sound very old, but our love for a good drink started then and remains the same today. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the idea for Bayab Gin truly took root. Over a drink, we asked the bartender if they had anything from Africa on the menu. To our surprise, the answer was no. It was astonishing that a continent as vast and diverse as Africa had no representation in a bar claiming the widest collection of spirits in London. 

That must have been a wake-up call! How did that moment lead to the decision to create Bayab Gin? 

That initial surprise sparked a journey where we repeatedly asked the same question at bars and restaurants, only to receive the same answer. That’s when we decided it was time to solve the problem ourselves and create a spirit that would celebrate the extraordinary flavors Africa has to offer.  

Neither of you started out in the spirits industry, right? How did your backgrounds help shape Bayab? 

That’s true. Chris worked in finance, and I started out in banking before transitioning to marketing. But both of us had experiences that aligned with this venture. Chris owned a pub in Surrey, where he struggled to find Black-owned spirit brands, and I spent years developing strategies for global alcohol brands like Absolut Vodka and Martell Cognac. It feels as if everything we’ve done before led us here.  

Bayab Gin is known for its unique botanicals. What inspired your selection process, and how do these ingredients define your gin? 

When we created Bayab, our mission was to highlight the vibrant flavors of the Africa we know and love. We traveled extensively to find botanicals that are distinctly African and could deliver an experience unlike any other gin. It was also essential that these ingredients came from across the continent to reflect Africa’s diversity. 

At the heart of Bayab Gin is the baobab fruit, a superfood from the iconic baobab tree—famously featured in The Lion King. This fruit lends a unique citrus sweetness that defines our gins. We complement it with seven to nine botanicals sourced across Africa, creating a gin with vibrant soul and balance. 

That baobab fruit is such a distinctive ingredient! Is that where the name “Bayab” comes from? 

Exactly. The baobab fruit inspired both our flavor profile and our name. We took “baobab” and adapted it to create “Bayab,” a name that reflects the tree’s importance to our product and heritage. 

Some people might feel intimidated by gin. What makes Bayab approachable for those who aren’t typical gin drinkers? 

We wanted Bayab to be something we’d love drinking ourselves, so we focused on creating a gin that was versatile, balanced, and easy to enjoy. Crafted with fewer than 10 botanicals, every ingredient works harmoniously to create a vibrant yet approachable flavor. The baobab fruit enhances the citrus brightness, while African juniper adds earthy undertones. 

Sustainability seems to be a core part of your mission. How does that influence your production process? 

Sustainability has been a priority from the start. For too long, Africa has been a source of extraction without giving back, and we wanted to change that. We rigorously vetted our procurement and supply chain to minimize environmental impact, and our production is fully solar-powered. 

In 2022, we took this further by partnering with Ho Technical University in Ghana to launch a project aimed at preserving the baobab tree. The initiative plans to plant a million baobab trees over 10 years, ensuring these trees continue to provide fruit, shelter, and resources for African communities. 

Bayab feels like a perfect blend of African heritage and modern gin culture. How do you balance these elements in your brand? 

Africa has a rich history, but it’s also a continent with an incredibly youthful and vibrant spirit. We wanted Bayab to capture that energy and offer a fresh perspective on African culture. In a category like gin, which often leans on tradition, we hope Bayab introduces something new and exciting. 

As a Black-owned brand, how do you ensure your business positively impacts your staff and communities? 

We’re committed to uplifting the communities where we operate. Beyond creating local employment opportunities, we invest in programs that provide life skills training and pathways to employment for young adults. We aim to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those connected to our brand. 

What challenges or opportunities have you faced as Black leaders in the spirits industry? 

Our journey has been defined by support. Coming from outside the industry, we’ve relied on guidance from veterans and experts. The biggest challenge—and opportunity—is building a strong network. Relationships are everything in this industry, and while building them takes time, they can open incredible doors. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the spirits industry? 

Learn the market you’re entering and truly understand your audience. Even though we live in London, we spent significant time in the U.S. to immerse ourselves in the market, talking to bartenders and exploring American spirit culture. That kind of hands-on insight is invaluable. 

Quick fire: What are your favorite ways to enjoy Bayab? 

In a gimlet, with an extra dash of sugar syrup. 

Quick fire: Bayab Gin is best paired with _______. 

Jollof Rice. Bayab Gin and Jollof—you can’t beat it!