Port Elizabeth
Home of Eastern Province Cricket, it's famous for its band-playing supporters who turn one-day internationals into tub-thumping affairs.
Must-see entertainment in Africa
Cotonou
This venture is famed for the quality of its live-music sessions featuring reggae, jazz and African sounds. Near Pl de l'Étoile Rouge.
Cotonou
Le Repaire de Bacchus has live jazz on Thursdays from 10.30pm, and music such as rumba and Ivorian sounds on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cape Town
One of the two big mulitplex cinema operations found around town. The best night to go is Tuesday when tickets are half price.
Kinshasa
For a deeply local experience, check out a theatre, music or dance performance at Espace Mutombo Buitshi way out in Bandal.
Tunis
Le Colisée is a plush cinema with stunning architecture, showing a mixture of Arabic and Hollywood mainstream films.
Johannesburg
This leading theatre hosts mainstream local and international acts. Shows range from musicals to open mic comedy.
Tunis
This venue, in the converted stables of the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum, hosts occasional theatre and cinema events.
Port Elizabeth
This cultural centre in a renovated Victorian building hosts plays, performances and live music including jazz.
Lusaka
From time to time local performers put on a good show; check its Facebook page to see what's playing.
Kinshasa
Concerts and other live performances are given at this fun outdoor venue by local bands and singers.
Institut Rachidia de la Musique Tunisienne
Tunis
Conservatory of music where traditional music performances are sometimes held.
Windhoek
The conservatorium in this college occasionally holds classical concerts.
Centre Culturel Franco-Bissao-Guinéen
Bissau
This bright, modern centre houses a library/workspace, an art gallery, a performance space and a small cafe. There are regular performances by dance and…
Gaborone
The National Stadium plays host to football matches between teams in the countrywide Super League as well as the occasional international game. Matches…
Harare
Zimbabwe's largest sports arena, the National Stadium holds 60,000 people and is used primarily for soccer games, and occasionally for rugby and athletics…
Abidjan
This is Abidjan's most famous reggae bar – Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly played here before they were famous. The bar is still going strong and…
Abidjan
L'Acoustic's stage has held the feet of everyone from hip female vocalists to jazz and big-band ensembles. The place attracts an arty, musical crowd…
Abidjan
This is the place to come and see Ivoirian performers – theatre, stand-up comedy, music, you name it – and various festivals. Check the website to see…
Kinshasa
Run by the US Embassy, this cultural centre offers access to a library of English-language books.
Windhoek
Off Robert Mugabe Ave, this place shows recent films and has half-price admission on Tuesday.
Lomé
This jazz and blues lounge bar is polished, homely and welcoming. Snacks are available.
Port Louis
The appealing Municipal Theatre was built in 1822, making it the oldest theatre in the Indian Ocean region. It was being gutted for massive renovation at…
Niger
Belting out African and European beats, this massive place is usually packed with locals (and the odd prostitute). Tear it up beneath the strobing red…
Niger
Your only options for cinematic distraction are the American Cultural Center, which plays more mainstream Hollywood flicks, and the Centre Culturel Franco…
Niger
Reverberating with Western and African tunes, this lively club was the best place to cut loose on the dance floor when we were in town.
