Entertainment in Africa
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Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe
Egypt’s only Sufi dance troupe – far more raucous and colourful than white-clad Turkish dervishes – puts on a mesmerising performance at the Wikala of Al-Ghouri. It’s a great opportunity to see one of the medieval spaces in use; arrive about an hour ahead to secure a seat.
reviewed
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Simonds
The recent overhaul of this century-old French-style cafe has divided locals: some say that all the faded charm has been thoroughly sterilised, while others welcome the fresh coat of paint and bold new look. Whatever your opinion, at least the coffee is still good.
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Cinema Roma
A very inspiring place, with one of Asmara's finest historic interiors. Enjoy a beer or a coffee in the cafeteria in the lobby area.
reviewed
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Greek Club
A popular expat hang-out, especially on weekend evenings; it has free movies on Sunday afternoon, good pizza and a lively sports bar.
reviewed
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Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a cultural centre at Langata, near the main gate to Nairobi National Park. The talented resident artistes perform traditional dances and songs taken from the country's 16 various tribal groups, including Arab-influenced Swahili taarab music, Kalenjin warrior dances, Embu drumming and Kikuyu circumcision ceremonies. It's touristy, of course, but it's still a spectacular afternoon out.
The centre itself has such a high profile that the first meeting of the National Constitutional Conference was held here in 2003, producing the so-called Bomas Draft of the new constitution. Bus or matatu No 125 or 126 runs here from Nairobi train station, taking about…
reviewed
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Hatfield
There are several bars and nightspots in trendy Hatfield, catering for all types. Yet again, Hatfield Square is a good place to start, but remember that 'guns, fireworks and motorbikes are strictly prohibited'. Unusually for South Africa, Burnett St offers a high density of bars, eateries and clubs, all cut through with lashings of backpacker bravado and student shenanigans.
You can wander between venues easily and safely, saving the endless taxi journeys that usually punctuate a night in a big South African city. It's the easiest pub crawl in the country.
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House on Fire
People visit this especially for the ever mutating cultural-site-cum-living-gallery and experimental-performance space. This mosaic- and sculpture-filled site is the hot place for cool locals and is popular among travellers as well. Part of the Malandela’s complex, the well-known venue hosts everything from African theatre, music and films, raves and other forms of entertainment. Since 2007, it has hosted the annual Bush Fire Festival. Held annually for three days over the last weekend of May, it features music, poetry, theatre and among other performances.
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Amadoda
Attempting to pull off a township braai (barbecue) and shebeen atmosphere à la Mzoli’s, but not quite matching the real thing, is this slickly decorated venue tucked away down a side road beside the railway tracks. The juke box is stacked with African, jazz and house music tracks and the butchery will provide whatever kind of meat you’d like to have grilled with your beer or rum and coke. Worth checking out late on a weekend evening.
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Kink Bar & Boutique
Downstairs this seductive café-bar, with a secluded garden courtyard to the rear, specialises in ‘sensual’ food and drinks – think cocktails with names like the G-Spot, Anoymous Fondle and the Fetish (aka a classic mojito). Once you’re in the mood, go upstairs to peruse the lacy lingerie and sex toys (including leather paddles, whips and cuffs made in South Africa). Burlesque shows are promised!
reviewed
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Mamounia Casino
As if drinking OJ from re-used glasses in the Djemaa el-Fna weren't enough of a gamble, just down the street is the Mamounia Casino. There are many places in Marrakesh that look like a Vegas version of Morocco, but the casino makes good on the comparison with blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette and slot machines. Dress to pass the doorman's once-over - sorry, even high rollers don't get by in jeans.
reviewed
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Taros Café
One of the most atmospheric terraces in Essaouira, and the only real bar, is at the Taros Café, where you can sip your drinks under giant lamps and huddle round your table to fend off the wind whipping up from the sea. The restaurant (mains Dh70 to Dh120) is a bit hit-and-miss for food, but it has live music and belly dancing most nights.
reviewed
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So
The hippest club in Agadir and one of the most expensive. So is laid out on several levels and includes a champagne bar, vodka bar, live-music stage, restaurant, dance floor and chill-out area. Guest DJs appear on Thursdays. Agadir swingers save this one for the climax of the evening’s entertainment.
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Makan
The Egyptian Centre for Culture & Art runs this intimate space dedicated to traditional music. Don’t miss the Mazaher ensemble, performing the traditional women’s zar, a sort of musical trance and healing ritual (usually Wednesday, 9pm; E£20).
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Tanger Inn
Tangier was once a gay destination, but that scene has long since departed for Marrakesh, leaving no establishments behind. Concierges report that the Tanger Inn and some of the bars along the beach attract gay clientele, particularly late on weekends.
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Green Dolphin
This upmarket jazz venue and restaurant at the Waterfront holds the Guinness Book of Records award for highest number of consecutive nights of jazz. Shows kick off at 8.15pm. If you don’t mind an obstructed view, the admission charge is a little lower.
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The Office
Perched above the Likoni ferry jetty and matatu stand, the entirely unaptly named Office is a real locals' hangout with regular massive reggae and dub nights shaking the thatched rafters. Any business that goes on here is definitely not the executive kind.
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Nimbus
Part of the Nimbus art gallery, and cultivating the same slightly Bohemian air, this is a lovely place for a drink - mellow in the day and happening at night. At weekends there's usually live music, so there's a cover charge to get in.
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Rick’s Café Americane
No Sam to play it again, but everything else looks like it could be straight from Casablanca (including the famous neon sign) at this movie-themed bar and restaurant. Wear a fedora and make like Bogie and Bergman.
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Café Panini
- Lomé, Togo
- Entertainment › Bar
In the words of one French drinker we encountered here, Panini is 'the arse of the chicken' - the gloriously sleazy epicentre of Lomés nightlife. Avoid if you object to being hustled by multilingual prostitutes.
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Herr Gunther’s
Loud, brash Germanic answer to the Irish bar, Herr Gunther’s blares out loud chart music, and platters of chips and wurst (German sausage) are washed down with gargantuan jugs of lager.
reviewed
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Amsterdam Action Bar
The action is mainly on the upper level where dark rooms and cubicles provide a venue for punters to dabble in whatever or whomever they fancy. At ground level, an older gay set tends to gather.
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Café Hafa
With its stadium seating overlooking the strait, you could easily lose an afternoon lazing in this open-air café, but you need good weather. Locals hang out here to enjoy a game of backgammon.
reviewed
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Brooklyn Mall Cinemas
The Brooklyn Mall Cinemas are among the most popular in Pretoria, but to save yourself time, it might be best to call Ster-Kinekor for listings and bookings.
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Bar Oum-Rabiá
While it’s easy to find kif in Chefchaouen, it’s hard to find a beer. One freestanding, and very masculine, option is Bar Oum-Rabiá.
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Ster-Kinekor Cinema Complex
Cinemas offering recent films, and cheap and comfortable seats (around US$3), include the Ster-Kinekor Cinema complex, opposite the Eastgate Centre.
reviewed