New Afrika Shrine

The New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja is the most important live music venue in Lagos for anyone interested in Afrobeat, the sound created by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Fela opened his original Afrika Shrine in 1972, renaming an earlier club called the Afro-Spot, and it became the centre of his musical and political life until it was destroyed in 1977. After Fela's death in 1997, his eldest children, Yeni and Femi, led the family in building a new Shrine, which opened in 2000 and was partly funded by licensing their father's back catalogue.

The venue is an open-air entertainment centre that holds around 2,500 people, roughly four times the size of the original. Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti runs it day to day, while Femi says his role is to make sure the music is good. When they are not touring, Femi Kuti and his band The Positive Force play on Thursdays and Sundays, and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, Fela's former band, play on the last Saturday of the month. Friday is a disco night. The Shrine is also the main venue for Felabration, the annual festival celebrating Fela's life and music.

The Shrine is more than a concert hall. Food and drinks are sold to cover running costs, and you will find food and drinks, including palm wine, along with Fela merchandise. There is a small library, pool tables and corners for relaxing, and the family runs education and outreach programmes. The walls are lined with photographs and images of Fela, so even on a quiet afternoon it is worth seeing. Most events are free or cheap to enter, and visitors are never pressured to buy anything.

It suits music lovers of every age and anyone wanting to understand Lagos culture beyond the island bars. Shows often start late and continue into the night, so plan accordingly. Dress casually, carry cash, keep valuables to a minimum and arrange your ride home in advance. If you want to combine history with the music, visit the Kalakuta Museum, Fela's former home in Ikeja, earlier in the day.

The Shrine is on NERDC Road in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on the Lagos mainland, a long drive from Victoria Island and Lekki, especially in weekday traffic. Sunday traffic is usually lighter, which makes the Sunday show a good choice if you are staying on the islands. Ride-hailing apps are the simplest way to get there and back.