If you want to take a break from the usual “DJ, play me track one” kind of artistes, here are some few places where avid music lovers enjoy live music in Lagos
Bogobiri
In addition to being a hotel for the discerning traveller, Bogobiri offers a rich and unique array of live music and entertainment. From the Thursday night “Freedom Hall” and Tuesday night TARUWA which offers a platform for new talent in “spoken word” and music to the weekend High Life, Jazz and Afrobeat shows by more established performers.
Bogobiri is a magnetic hub in which to eat lounge enjoy good music and connect with interesting people in a relaxed, chilled out environment.
The Afrika Shrine
The African Shrine has been a Lagos favourite for many years and many expected it to fade away after it got burnt down, however the new replacement, run by Femi and Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, remains a cool spot for groups and friends to hang, and is still going from strength to strength. The venue hosts live music and also provides culinary services as well as a serving of knowledge in African politics. There are free shows on Thursday, or on the last Saturdays of the month: Afrobeats Sessions with Seun Kuti – and you are certain to have a good time listening to good music and mingling.
Muson Center
A prestigious performance hall in Lagos, MUSON Centre, is a fountain of music, arts and culture and one of many important stops in Lagos for music lovers. Aside from holding a music school, the venue also hosts special music events and concerts all through the year. On occasion, studios even use it for movie premiers and theatre performance. The venue is frequently praised for its superior acoustics and the orchestra’s ability. The concert season usually starts in June and ends in December.
Afropolitan Vibes at Freedom Park
If you love live band, then the place to be is the Afropolitan vibes at the Freedom Park in Lagos. Afropolitan Vibes is a monthly live music concert in Nigeria which exists as a platform for alternative music. Contemporary singer/songwriters and musicians perform mostly original works that are firmly rooted in African musical origins of Afrobeat, Afrofunk, Afro-hiphop, Afro-pop, and Highlife. All acts perform with the 12 piece Bantu collective. No miming is allowed at the shows
Terra Kulture
One of the hottest spots for arty music lovers in Lagos, Terra Kulture has an excellent reputation for being a friendly and welcoming dance venue. It however only features live music on Fridays to mark TGIF, it may only be suitable for the most ardent music enthusiasts. Aptly named and located at Tiamiyu Savage in Victoria Island, it is an self-effacing and welcoming space, where you can chat, relax, read and enjoy good music if you are inclined to do so. Essentially, it is a meeting place for a more varied artistic scene including musicians, poets, writers and artists.
Jazz Hole
A diverse venue that attracts both local and international artists, the Jazz Hole is a small cafe in the Ikoyi suburb of Lagos that features a collection of vintage books, music record, art and jazz music, giving it an air of art meets intellectualism. During the day, the venue is essentially a meeting place for a more varied artistic scene including musicians, poets, writers and artists. Perfectly positioned in the historic center of Lagos Island’s nightlife, it becomes more of a live music venue in the evenings, with the emphasis being on Soul and Jazz.
