Introduction
July came with a lot of coffee experimentation at Zuma Coffee and I learnt what it means to become a Barista in Abuja.
Chatting with Zuma Coffee’s In-house Barista deepened my knowledge of coffee and also gave me a glimpse into why he became a barista in Abuja.7
Abuja, known for its modern cityscape and vibrant culture, is now becoming a hotspot for coffee enthusiasts. To get a taste of this growing scene, I sat down with Wisdom Usoro, the Chief Barista at ZUMA COFFEE Nigeria, to discuss his journey, the art of coffee-making, and the future of coffee culture in Abuja.
If you want to become a barista, check this out.
The Journey to Becoming a Barista in Abuja
With over two years of experience as a barista, Wisdom brings a chef’s perspective to the world of coffee, viewing it not just as a drink, but as a culinary art form.
Wisdom’s path to becoming a barista is as rich as the beverages he crafts. “My first inspiration is that coffee is a beverage,” he explains. “It was easier to grab the opportunity to become a barista to add to my foods and beverages knowledge of almost two decades.”
A Day in the Life of an Abuja Barista
When asked about his typical day, Wisdom’s eyes light up. “I embrace every day with an open mind,” he says. “Being a barista comes with a lot of expectations, and coffee comes with its own culture and fantasies.” For Wisdom, each day is an opportunity to explore the mysteries of coffee while building connections with enthusiasts who visit ZUMA COFFEE.
The Challenges Behind the Counter
While the job may seem straightforward to customers, being a barista in Abuja comes with its unique challenges. Wisdom reveals, “The most challenging aspect of the job is having to adjust and switch to different coffee makers based on customers’ demands, especially when engrossed or preoccupied with waiting orders.” This juggling act, he notes, is both challenging and beautiful, as different coffee makers produce unique tastes and experiences.
Crafting the Perfect Cup in Abuja’s Climate
In Wisdom’s expert opinion, several factors contribute to a truly great cup of coffee: bean quality, the coffee maker, water temperature, roast type, and expertise. “A great taste of coffee begins with a quality bean,” he emphasizes. This attention to detail is crucial in Abuja’s climate, where temperature and humidity can affect coffee preparation.
Staying Ahead in Abuja’s Coffee Scene
To keep up with global trends while catering to local tastes, Wisdom is committed to continuous learning. “Every great barista explores, and that has greatly helped my experience,” he shares. He stays updated by connecting with professionals worldwide, asking questions, and constantly updating his skills.
The Rise of Nigerian Coffee
When asked about his favourite coffee bean origin, Wisdom doesn’t hesitate. “My favourite is Arabica,” he says, praising its low caffeine content, low acidity, and high flavour and aroma. Interestingly, he points out that ZUMA COFFEE’s Arabica is an award-winning, home-grown bean, dispelling the myth that quality coffee must be imported.
The Art of Latte in Abuja
Latte art is one of the most visually appealing aspects of coffee-making, and Wisdom has embraced this craft. While he enjoys creating various designs based on occasions and demands, his signature is what he calls the “cobweb royalty” – a unique pattern that’s sure to catch the eye of Abuja’s coffee lovers.
Educating Abuja’s Coffee Drinkers
As coffee culture grows in Abuja, Wisdom often encounters customers unsure about what to order. “It’s my responsibility as a coffee expert to give my professional advice based on what they hope to achieve,” he explains. His approach involves asking critical questions, explaining available options, and encouraging customers to try new things.
The Future of Coffee in Nigeria’s Capital
Looking ahead, Wisdom is optimistic about the coffee industry’s evolution in Nigeria. “Unlike what we had ZUMA COFFEE a while back, the coffee culture has greatly evolved in Nigeria, although there is still a lot to do,” he notes. He sees baristas as frontiers of this cultural shift, responsible for how coffee culture is portrayed and communicated to final consumers.
Dispelling Coffee Myths in Abuja
As our interview winds down, Wisdom takes the opportunity to address some common misconceptions. “Due to poor awareness, most Nigerians believe that caffeine, which is part of the beneficial components in coffee, is all bad. But that’s an unverified bad representation of coffee,” he clarifies. He’s passionate about educating customers on the benefits of moderate coffee consumption and the quality of locally grown beans.
Check out ways to learn home brewing at Zuma Coffee.
A Brewing Future
As we wrapped up our chat, it was clear that being a barista in Abuja is more than just a job for Wisdom – it’s a passion and a mission. Through his work at ZUMA COFFEE, he’s not just serving cups of joe; he’s brewing a new culture that appreciates the complexity, art, and community that coffee brings.
From the challenges of crafting the perfect espresso in Abuja’s climate to educating customers about the nuances of different roasts, Wisdom and his fellow baristas are at the forefront of Nigeria’s coffee revolution. As Abuja’s taste for quality coffee grows, it’s clear that passionate professionals like Wisdom will be leading the charge, one carefully crafted cup at a time.
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Happy Brewing!
