Lagos is unquestionably one of the most exciting places in Africa to see live music. This energetic city, which gave rise to the renowned Afrobeats sound, offers diverse musical styles, from contemporary hip-hop and jazz to traditional highlife and Fuji. Lagos has a thriving music culture that draws performers worldwide to its busy streets and venues.
Whether you prefer small-scale jazz concerts or big-name Afrobeats events, Lagos offers something for every taste. Let’s dive into the top 12 live music venues in Lagos and what you can expect from the upcoming concert calendar.
Best Lagos Live Music Venues
1. New Afrika Shrine
Fela Kuti’s family founded the New Afrika Shrine, arguably the most famous location in Lagos, as an extension of the original shrine. With weekly live performances and an upbeat environment infused with the spirit of Fela’s music and activism, it’s the go-to place for fans of Afrobeat.
Photo Source: Ikeja Record.
Notably, Afrobeat star Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, visited the New Afrika Shrine about three months ago and was accompanied by British rapper Central Cee.
The music venue at NERDC Rd., Agidigbi, Ikeja, holds its events on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 pm.
2. Hard Rock Cafe
The Hard Rock Cafe provides excellent dining and live music for people who wish to do both. Situated on the waterfront in Lagos, it offers concerts by local and international musicians in various genres, from rock to Afrobeats, bringing worldwide standards to the city’s live music scene.
Photo Source: Hard Rock Cafes.
Established on March 11, 2016, the state-of-the-art cafe, which features more than 200 seats, a stage for live performances, and a swimming pool area for adults and kids, is located at Landmark Village, Water Corporation Road, Oniru, Victoria Island. The cafe hosts live music from 8:30 p.m. to as late as 10 p.m. every day of the week.
It is worth noting that the Hard Rock Cafe has over 170 locations worldwide.
3. Astro Lounge
Astro Lounge provides a laid-back atmosphere ideal for a restful evening. In addition to offering mouthwatering food, drinks, and games, Astro Lounge features live music every Sunday at 7 p.m. Both locals and tourists love it because it’s a nice place to relax and listen to calming music. It is located at 4 Jagal Cl, Oregun, Lagos.
4. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is one of the locations in Lagos where live music and culture coexist harmoniously. Once a prison during the colonial era, it is currently a bustling centre of culture that presents some of the best live events in the city. Whether you like jazz, reggae, or traditional Nigerian music, there’s music to groove to here. Because of the laid-back atmosphere and outdoor environment, it’s also the ideal place to spend an evening listening to music with friends or family.
Freedom Park is located at Old Prison Ground 1, Hospital Road, Lagos Island.
5. Bogobiri Arts and Music Village
Bogobiri House is Lagos’s first African-themed boutique hotel, cultural centre, and art gallery. It boasts Nigerian heritage and hospitality. Its quiet, private ambience offers a lovely and peaceful diversion from Lagos’s busy, vibrant streets.
Bogobiri is located at 9 Maitama Sule St, Ikoyi. It has two dining establishments, one of which is the well-known Orishirishi Kitchen, the Nimbus Art Centre, and a club that hosts a variety of artistic activities, live music, and spoken word performances.
6. Live Lounge
Live Lounge is a comfortable retreat created especially for live music events. This location provides the ideal fusion of cocktails, finger cuisine, and live music. Watch the magic acts or comedy shows on Wednesdays, or stay for the live band every Friday night. Every day of the week from 1:00 pm to 4:00 am, Live Lounge promises entertainment with various activities. It is situated at 15 Idejo Street, Victoria Island.
7. Afefeyeye Restaurant
Afefeyeye Restaurant & Bar is a fantastic option for a location with a rustic charm. On Thursday evenings at 7 pm, this location features a multi-genre live band and a distinctive blend of regional food. Afefeyeye offers a fully immersive cultural experience that encapsulates the spirit of Lagos’s rich musical legacy. It is situated at 41 Ogundana Street, Ikeja.
8. Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture is a cultural hub that combines live music, theatre, and literary activities. The location frequently presents live performances, focusing on modern and traditional music from Nigeria.
Photo Source: Terra Kulture.
The restaurant is a hotspot for fans of Nigerian cuisine and is recognised for its distinctive atmosphere and design. With 400 seats, The Arena is a cosy, cutting-edge performance space. Famous performers like Burna Boy and Davido call it home, and it is also the birthplace of Nigerian theatre.
9. Dulles
Not only is Dulles known for its great food options, but it also has a thriving live music scene. Salsa night on Tuesdays, Lovers and Friends on Wednesdays, Old School night on Thursdays, Magic Fridays, Ladies Night and Karaoke on Saturdays, and an Owanbe-style live band on Sundays offer something for everyone. Dulles is an accommodating place for various preferences with a different theme every night. It is located at 41 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island.
10. Muri Okunola Park
Muri Okunola Park is an outdoor space known for holding big festivals and concerts. It is trendy for open-air music gatherings and is commonly used for cultural events, often featuring live performances by renowned Nigerian musicians.
11. Quilox
Photo Source: Bella Naija.
Quilox, one of the most popular nightclubs in Lagos, is a great place to see live music. It is the spot to go if you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Lagos, live DJ sets, and artist performances, with an emphasis on Afrobeats and Nigerian pop music.
12. The Balmoral Convention Centre
The Balmoral Convention Centre is the place to go if you want to see big-name concerts. Top Afrobeats musicians perform live at this arena, which is home to some of Lagos’s most prominent events. It’s a cutting-edge location intended for big festivals and concerts.
Upcoming Concerts in Lagos
With weekly concerts, Lagos is a great place to identify fresh talent. There are plenty of up-and-coming Afrobeats musicians to keep an eye on. Watch out for performances by rising stars in Nigeria’s music scene at places like the New Afrika Shrine and musical venues listed in this article.
Notably, the Lagos Freedom Fest will take place on October 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at Freedom Park on Lagos Island.
Also, Afro-Fusion Night will be held at the same venue on November 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.