Accra
This 'Jazz Bar & Grill', as the strapline goes, is probably the best live-music venue in Accra. Bands come from all over the continent and there is a…
Must-see entertainment in West Africa
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Lagos
Just by showing up you'll get a political education, a lesson in shakin' it and a contact high. Though Fela's original Shrine was burnt down, this…
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Institut Français Léopold Sédar Senghor
Dakar
This spacious arts centre occupying a whole city block is one of the main hubs of cultural activity in Dakar. It features an open-air stage (a fantastic…
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Faga Faga Fougou Espace Culturel
Conakry
This is one of the most exciting live-music venues in Conakry. The ocean-side stage hosts a diverse array of local and West African groups performing…
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Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen
Conakry
French cultural centres in Africa usually put on diverse and exciting events, art-house films, world music concerts and exhibitions, and this one is no…
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L'Institut Culturel d'Expression Française
Malabo
All sorts of artistic endeavours are represented here, from debates to musical evenings, fashion shows, dance and art exhibitions. Both locals and…
Accra
With several concerts a week (rock, jazz, reggae, hip-hop), exhibitions and various cultural events, the cultural arm of the French embassy is a good bet…
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Cabo Verde
If you're staying overnight, don't miss the nightly performance (around 6pm) at Casa Ramiro, a grocery store where you can try local goat cheese and…
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Senegal
The best new venue for live music is in Sor – well worth the taxi trip over if a concert is happening. Music is wide-ranging, from African rhythms and…
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Dakar
If you only have time for one live-music venue, don't miss Just 4 U. The small stage of this outdoor restaurant has been graced by the greatest Senegalese…
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Centro Cultural de España en Malabo
Malabo
This large cultural centre offers Spanish courses as well as a wide array of free events such as concerts, film, theatre and dance, exhibitions, a library…
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Centro Cultural de España en Bata
Rio Muni
Housed in an interesting, modern building on the seafront, this cultural centre offers free music, dance, theatre, exhibitions and a library in addition…
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Cabo Verde
For the best local music, head to this Platô restaurant, which showcases live acts every night except Sunday. Traditional sounds abound, from morna and…
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Malabo
Built to co-host (with Gabon) the African Cup of Nations soccer competition in 2012, this stadium holds 15,250 fans. Regular matches are played here;…
Accra
Ghanaians love football, and this 40,000-seat stadium close to Independence Square, opened in 1960 and modernised for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, is…
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Ghana
This is really just a collection of art and craft stalls, rather than a place to watch cultural performances (although these do happen from time to time)…
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Senegal
Set amid a lush forest-like setting a few kilometres from Toubab Dialaw, this open-air theatre hosts concerts and stages plays periodically from October…
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Conakry
This humble bar looks completely unspectacular, yet it's where many of Guinea's biggest stars jam at the weekend, in a space overflowing with good vibes…
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Rio Muni
Built by the Chinese in 2007 for the African Women's Cup of Nations, this state-of-the-art stadium holds 35,000 people. It also hosted matches in the 2015…
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Lagos
Formerly the Old Broad Street Prison, a colonial-era instrument of oppression, it has recently been turned into a cultural centere, venue for events and…
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Brazzaville
Superb open-to-all cultural centre (previously known as Centre Culturel Français) hosting art and photo exhibitions, live music, dance and a cinema. Also…
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Mindelo
On the waterfront, this breezy top-floor restaurant draws a good mix of talent to its live concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. It has a tropical vibe…
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Sierra Leone
Ballanta Academy of Music regularly opens its doors to the public for a great evening of student performers, attracting an artsy crowd – there's…
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Cameroon
A popular creative space for theatre, dance, movies, debates and workshops. It also runs a Nuit Blanche program, and dance and music festivals. Get a…
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Libreville
Home ground of Libreville's FC 105, the city's popular army and police football club, this state-of-the-art stadium houses 40,000 people. Tickets to…
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Lagos
Owned by renowned mask-wearing musician Lagbaja, this is a big outdoor venue with lots of live music and a robust local following.
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Libreville
This cultural centre offers a wide range of events, films, concerts and shows. There's also a restaurant and wi-fi.
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Dakar
Owned by Youssou N'Dour, one of Africa's most notable musicians and Senegal's tourism and culture minister, this legendary club is always packed and…
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Lomé
Inside, it's like a 1980s disco with its blacked-out windows, but Le Rézo is more contemporary than it looks, with giant screens showing Champions League…
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Dakar
The German cultural centre frequently hosts exhibitions and shows films. It offers German-language classes, and there's also a library open to the public…
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Burkina Faso
One of the best venues in town for live music. Local bands come to play Afrobeat and there's always lots of dancing. Concerts held Thursday to Sunday.
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Libreville
This casino gets good reviews for its music and friendly wait staff. Try your hand at poker, blackjack and roulette, as well as slots and video poker.
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Senegal
The biggest concerts in town (including the main acts of the jazz festival) happen at the vast Quai des Arts.
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Abidjan
This is Abidjan's most famous reggae bar – Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly played here before they were famous. The bar is still going strong and…
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Abidjan
L'Acoustic's stage has held the feet of everyone from hip female vocalists to jazz and big-band ensembles. The place attracts an arty, musical crowd…
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Abidjan
This is the place to come and see Ivoirian performers – theatre, stand-up comedy, music, you name it – and various festivals. Check the website to see…
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Lomé
This jazz and blues lounge bar is polished, homely and welcoming. Snacks are available.
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Niger
Belting out African and European beats, this massive place is usually packed with locals (and the odd prostitute). Tear it up beneath the strobing red…
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Niger
Your only options for cinematic distraction are the American Cultural Center, which plays more mainstream Hollywood flicks, and the Centre Culturel Franco…
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Niger
Reverberating with Western and African tunes, this lively club was the best place to cut loose on the dance floor when we were in town.
