Antananarivo
Antananarivo’s foremost cultural venue hosts excellent concerts, theatre events, dance performances, art exhibitions and film screenings almost daily. Pop…
Must-see entertainment in Africa
Bulawayo
This scenic, historic ground hosts international Tests and limited-over cricket matches, though it's rare an international team swings by these days. It…
Cairo
Al Azhar Park’s 300-seat open-air theatre hosts touring artists from overseas, big-name stars from the Middle East and local Egyptian bands and musicians…
Rio Muni
Built by the Chinese in 2007 for the African Women's Cup of Nations, this state-of-the-art stadium holds 35,000 people. It also hosted matches in the 2015…
Lagos
Formerly the Old Broad Street Prison, a colonial-era instrument of oppression, it has recently been turned into a cultural centere, venue for events and…
Port Louis
Port Louis' newly minted arts centre, which opened at the end of 2018, is a terrific concert and multi-use venue where you can catch the country's best…
Port Elizabeth
Built for the 2010 football (soccer) World Cup, this futuristic stadium in the rundown North End area hosts sports matches and concerts. Call or email to…
Aswan
Between October and February/March, Aswan’s folkloric dance troupe sporadically performs Nubian tahtib (dance performed with wooden staves) and songs…
Alexandria
Very active cultural centre offering contemporary theatre, film screenings, contemporary art exhibitions and music performances, of Egyptian artists and…
Antananarivo
Madagascar's premier multiplex cinema shows new releases subtitled in French as soon as they're released internationally. Other films are dubbed in French…
Cape Town
Seven foot tall in her high heels, the platinum blonde drag queen Cathy Specific greets you at this cabaret and theatre venue where your tickets gets you…
Cape Town
Proving a hit with one and all in the heart of De Waterkant is this slick music revue bar and restaurant with a nightly line-up of different performers…
Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Just off Dragon Peaks Rd are South Africa’s singing ambassadors, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School. There are public performances at 3.30pm on Wednesday…
Cape Town
Live acoustic rock is a firm feature of Friday nights at this pub, and there's often live music and other events such as comedy slots, open mic and cinema…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
One of the best places on the peninsula for live music and comedy, and a great cafe to boot. Tickets typically cost around R100; check www…
Brazzaville
Superb open-to-all cultural centre (previously known as Centre Culturel Français) hosting art and photo exhibitions, live music, dance and a cinema. Also…
Alexandria
This active cultural centre, housed in a whitewashed villa, hosts contemporary arts exhibitions, poetry readings and occasional free concerts in its…
Lilongwe
This simple wooden-shack affair is a fave among local expats, with pool table, volleyball court, darts, barbecued food, global sports on the huge TV and…
Harar
This vast dance hall is the only place in Harar that has a resident DJ. The music is a mixture of Ethiopian pop and reggae, with some traditional tunes…
Cape Town
This cosy venue, which also serves food and drinks, usually has live music on Wednesday (free) and weekends (cover charge R170 to R190; bookings necessary…
Mindelo
On the waterfront, this breezy top-floor restaurant draws a good mix of talent to its live concerts on Friday and Saturday nights. It has a tropical vibe…
Bulawayo
Events at this arts centre, established in 1949, are a cultured way to keep yourself occupied in the evenings. Expect anything from theatre and recitals…
Kinshasa
Despite its small size, the Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles has a packed program of musical and other performances as well as a small exhibition space. It's one…
Bulawayo
Within a colonial building is this bar-restaurant that hosts live Afro jazz bands nightly. It's a pretty local scene, but everyone is welcoming and bands…
Kinshasa
This charming arts-and-cultural centre has changing exhibits in its gallery, shows films and hosts various cultural events. The gift shop has a good range…
Sierra Leone
Ballanta Academy of Music regularly opens its doors to the public for a great evening of student performers, attracting an artsy crowd – there's…
Cameroon
A popular creative space for theatre, dance, movies, debates and workshops. It also runs a Nuit Blanche program, and dance and music festivals. Get a…
Dar es Salaam
Ngoma (drumming and dancing) performances daily (Tsh2000 per person), whenever there is sufficient demand, plus occasional special afternoon programs…
Zanzibar Town
Performances of local music, dance and drumming are often held at the Old Fort, but the schedule is variable. Stop by the information desk at the entrance…
Lilongwe
In a converted warehouse off Paul Kagame Rd, Umunthu puts on regular live music, films, club nights and more, showcasing the best of Malawian talent. A…
Cape Town
This National Lottery–funded project works with youngsters on a variety of performance and theatre projects. Some of their shows have won awards at…
KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
Durban
The orchestra has an interesting spring concert program with regular performances in City Hall. Check the calendar and events listings on the website.
Harar
On weekend nights you can barely breathe for the crowds. Expect Ethiopian pop and international hits. This real earthy hang-out can become rough-and-ready…
Cairo
Seminars and lectures in German on Egyptology and other topics, plus visiting music groups, art exhibitions and film screenings.The library has more than…
Cairo
One of Cairo's most active cultural centres, the Italian institute hosts a busy program of art house films plus lectures (sometimes in English) and art…
Kisumu
With live music most nights, this is the place to see Lingala music performed by Congolese bands. Be prepared for mellifluous rhythms and a fair bit of…
Cape Town
This company, a lean troupe of 24 dancers, can trace its history back to 1934. They usually perform at Artscape, the Baxter Theatre and, in summer, at…
Durban
Opposite City Hall, Durban’s central theatre is a stunning venue. The Zulu mosaics and beadwork in the foyer are alone worth seeing, as are the dance,…
Libreville
Home ground of Libreville's FC 105, the city's popular army and police football club, this state-of-the-art stadium houses 40,000 people. Tickets to…
Yaoundé
This German cultural institute runs an impress array of events, including film and documentary screenings, jazz, hip hop and slam-poetry nights, plus…
