Lagos Music Scene: Where to Hear Live Music Every Week

Lagos is the undisputed music capital of Africa, and while most people associate it with the global afrobeats phenomenon, the live music scene offers so much more depth and variety. Monday nights belong to Freedom Park on Lagos Island, where the weekly jazz sessions have become an institution. Local and international musicians take the stage in this former colonial prison turned cultural centre, and the atmosphere is always electric. On Wednesdays, head to The Jazzhole in Ikoyi — yes, it's primarily a bookshop, but their live music sessions in the courtyard have become one of Lagos' best-kept secrets. The intimate setting means you're never more than a few metres from the performers. Thursday is karaoke and open mic night at several venues across Lekki and VI. Bogobiri House in Ikoyi hosts a popular spoken word and music night that attracts poets, singers, and musicians from across the city. Fridays and Saturdays are when Lagos' music scene truly comes alive. Terra Kulture hosts regular concerts featuring established and emerging artists. Hard Rock Café Lagos on Victoria Island brings international acts alongside Nigeria's biggest names. For the afrobeats purists, keep an eye on events at Eko Hotel's Convention Centre and Landmark Event Centre, which host the biggest concerts in the city. Sunday afternoon at any of the beachside bars along Lekki provides the perfect wind-down — live band performances playing highlife classics while you watch the sunset over the Atlantic.