Entertainment in Senegal
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Club Thiossane
World music fans should head for this hot and crowded club in La Médina, north of Marché Sandaga. It's owned by the legendary Youssou N'Dour, and when he's not touring the man himself performs here most Friday and Saturday nights. Club Thiossane can be very hard to find, and seeing as you probably won't be heading there until late it's best to take a taxi - it's pronounced Cho-sahn and all the drivers know it.
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Le Rubis
Under new ownership, this place had turned itself into Ziguinchor's most fashionable dance floor when we visited, with salsa on Fridays and a global punch of hip-hop, R&B, mbalax (a mixture of Cuban beats and traditional sabar drumming) and plenty more on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
reviewed
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Kadjinol Station
This lounge bar and global-food restaurant off Rue Sarraut also has the most interesting film selection in town, with a strong focus on world cinema, as well as Hollywood classics and recent hits. Film viewings are free with purchase of drinks and/or food.
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Le Bombolong Nightclub
Another busy club downtown - its dance floor seems to follow the same Ziguinchor rules as Le Rubis - 'grown-ups' sway to salsa on Fridays, while Saturday is younger and hipper, with heavier bass and faster rhythms.
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Théâtre Daniel Sorano
This is Dakar's proudest theatre. The Ensemble Instrumental, the Ballet National du Sénégal and the Théâtre National du Sénégal perform here on occasion. Check listings magazines and posters for event updates.
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Koulgraoul
This relaxed club night held once a month in the garden of the Océanium (behind the Palais Présidentiel) attracts a mixed, laid-back crowd. Relief - a less dressed-up affair than most of Dakar's clubs.
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L'Abondance
This is really a dibiterie (grilled-meat place) rather than a bar, but as any dibiterie worth its meat, it's also the terminus, the final stop after a night out dancing.
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Sunset
Similarly popular with the Dakarois, this club is on the northeastern corner of the intersection of Av Blaise Diagne and Blvd de la Gueule-Tapée, about 3km northwest of Marché Sandaga.
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Bar Malila
It's tiny, and if it weren't for the smart bar chairs and red-blue lighting, it would easily be confused with any other drinking spot. It gets going around 02:00.
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Le Mex
This colourful Mexican restaurant transforms into a lively bar at night. It's popular with the French military and their obligatory female following.
reviewed
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Snooker Palace
This polished snooker hall starts early and gets hotter by the hour. Giant plasma screens ooze class and are perfect for watching football matches.
reviewed
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Just 4 U
This spacious bar-restaurant is Dakar's best address for live music. There's a concert every night, often by one of Senegal's greatest artists.
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Alizé Club
You want to master the mbalax? The informal environment of this live-music club is a good place to practise that seductive hip swing.
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Playclub
The club of the Hôtel Al Afifa is a classy affair for the over 30s, so the music is smooth and comes spiced with salsa beats.
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Kilimanjaro
The mighty Thione Seck plays here, at his personal club, every Friday. A fabulous place with a friendly ambiance. Dress smart.
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Casino du Cap Vert
Utterly popular, this stylish place is on the route to the airport, and a good place to spot famous singers and footballers.
reviewed
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Walkunda Bar & Salon de Thé
This pretty place near the Rond-Point Jean-Paul II serves drinks at very reasonable rates, as well as filling meals.
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Iguane Café
The mock-military décor may be aggressive to the eye, but the atmosphere is decidedly relaxed.
reviewed
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Dances
The youth centre CDEPS near Rue de France is frequently hired for public dance soirees on weekends.
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Café Indigo
Somewhere between a restaurant, a café and a bar, this is a relaxed place to start your night out.
reviewed
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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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Senat
Favourite hang-out and hunting ground of the Dakarois jet set and the French 'upper class'.
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King's Club
This inner-city club is hugely popular for its heavy dance beats and good vibes.
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Le Seven
The glittering queen of Dakar's bars. So plugged-in, you risk electrocution.
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Bar L'Impérial
For those who like their bars nice and calm.
reviewed