Blues, Jazz entertainment in Africa
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Kippie’s Jazz International
Kippie’s, named after saxophonist Kippie ‘Morolong’ Moeketsi, has long been renowned as one of Jo’burg’s most famous establishments and one of the best places to see South African jazz talent. At the time of writing Kippie’s had closed down with renovation work slated to begin in February 2009. When it reopens it should be even bigger and better, and with a bronze statue commemorating the great Kippie outside.
reviewed
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Chez Rangel
This jazz café at the train station is one of Maputo's best night spots, with intimate surroundings and the atmospheric architecture of the train station as a backdrop. There's live music on Saturdays, and otherwise your choice of a large collection of old jazz gramophone records. An ideal spot to sip a caipirinha while taking in afro-jazz beats.
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Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club
In Pinetown, 8km west of the centre, this was the first place in Natal to cater to blacks in a so-called ‘white area’ in the 1980s. With a reputation as the centre of the jazz scene and still the preferred local haunt, it features concerts and headline acts on the first or last Sunday of the month.
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Le Repaire de Bacchus
This funky jazz bar also has a food menu, although it's shorter than the list of cocktails. With live jazz on Thursday, and music such as rumba and Côte d'Ivoire sounds on Friday and Saturday, this place is the hideout of choice for Cotonou's beatniks in berets. C'est cool.
reviewed
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Swingers
While it’s ‘grab a granny’ most nights of the week, you’ll need to book ahead for a table at the renowned Monday-night jam sessions hosted by Alvin Dyers, leader of the house jazz band, at this legendary Cape Flats venue.
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Manenberg's Jazz Café
Swing to jazz and African jive at this famed jazz club that seems to have survived its move to the Waterfront. On Friday and Saturday it's free to see the bands playing the sundowner set from 17:00 to 19:00, but a cover charge kicks in later.
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Bassline
A fantastic live-music venue, Bassline hosts major players on the South African and international music scene. It’s known for its jazz and blues performances but you’ll also catch world music, hip hop and rock.
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Cairo Jazz Club
The city’s liveliest stage, with modern Egyptian folk, electronica, fusion and more seven nights a week, usually starting around 10pm. You must book a table ahead (online is easiest), and no one under 25 is admitted.
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Hanover Street
This classy club in the casino aims to re-create the jazz spirit of New Orleans (as if Cape Town’s wasn’t strong enough). DJs play most nights but top jazz acts also occasionally headline.
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Dizzy’s Restaurant & Pub
During the summer season there’s live music Wednesday through Sunday at this convivial British-style pub and restaurant specialising in seafood platters. Watch out for karaoke on Mondays, though.
reviewed
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West End
Mainstream jazz and R’n’B is the name of the game here. One of the city’s top venues, it attracts a well-heeled clientele and top performers. There’s plenty of security, if you drive.
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Rivets
As glossy as you'd expect a bar in the guts of the Hilton hotel to be, Rivets boasts Thursday jazz nights, chichi décor, a contingent of the beautiful set and pricey cocktails.
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Jazzissimo
A jazz and soul club opened by Cleo Laine and Johnny Dankworth a few years back and which has been going strong ever since. Every Saturday is salsa night with a live Cuban band.
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África Bar
Next to Ciné Africa, this sleek, hip spot is a good place to start or finish the evening, and draws the expat crowds, especially on Thursday (jazz night, admission free).
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Jazz Up
The ground-floor bar in the Nile Hilton is an odd mix of wood panelling and white vinyl, as well as salsa nights (Sunday and Friday) and the occasional live band (Thursday).
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Toona Tree Bar & Restaurant
Part of the massive International Casino complex by the National Museum, Toona Tree has live bands on Friday and Saturday, playing jazz, blues and 'classic hits'.
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Maquis Pili-Pili
For soulful blues music, it's hard to beat Maquis Pili-Pili, although some nights the musicians simply don't turn up.
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Mannenburg Jazz Club
The Mannenburg Jazz Club, right next door to the Book Café, has live performances every night except Sunday.
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Domino
Another popular bar-nightclub, this infamous pick-up joint plays rock and jazz from 22:30 on Friday and Saturday.
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Piano Bar
A happening nightspot in St-Pierre, which caters for an older crowd with downtempo jazz and soul beats.
reviewed
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Bass Line
Another good hip jazz club, the Bass Line, just west of Kanda High Rd, gets smoky and stays open late.
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African Café
Here you can choose between live music at the jazz bar or dance the night away at the adjacent disco.
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Plan B
Unusually tranquil for Freetown, Plan B, part of the China Town complex, is a jazz-infused wine bar.
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Pen'Art
Around the corner from Just 4 U, this is a cosy jazz club with good bands in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Buddy's
A cool, laid-back club that attracts a mixed-age clientele with its nightly live jazz and blues.
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