If you find yourself in Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, this December, here’s where some of the hottest parties may be happening.
The vibrant and pulsating heartbeat of Nigeria’s nightlife scene is Lagos, the country’s largest city and a melting pot of electrifying energy. In December, the city transforms into a kaleidoscope of dazzling lights and infectious beats, offering a nightlife experience like no other. From the upscale lounges of Victoria Island to the rhythmic streets of Ikeja, Lagos boasts a diverse array of hotspots where the night comes alive with an unmistakable Nigerian flair.
Venture into the trendy district of Victoria Island, where high-end clubs beckon with sophisticated vibes and A-list DJs spinning the latest Afrobeats tunes. The glittering skyline provides a stunning backdrop as revelers dance the night away, embracing the city’s opulent side. For those seeking a more grassroots vibe, the bustling streets of Ikeja reveal a different facet of Lagos nightlife. Here, you will find open-air bars, live music joints, and spontaneous street parties, creating an authentic and immersive experience that captures the spirit of the city.
December in Lagos is a celebration of life, music, and community, making it the perfect time to explore the diverse nightlife spots that define this metropolis. Here are some of the top ones:
The New Afrika Shrine: Closer To Fela’s Legacy
In the vibrant heart of Ikeja, Lagos State, The New Afrika Shrine is a living testament to Fela Kuti’s enduring legacy and his vision for a cultural haven that transcends boundaries. As Femi Kuti, Fela’s eldest son and torchbearer, says on its website, “The New Afrika Shrine is probably the most important thing I have ever done, aside from my children.”
The roots of the Shrine trace back to Fela’s inspiration from the Mbari Artists and Writers Club, a cultural hub in Ibadan, founded in the spirit of post-colonial optimism. Fela’s cousin, Wole Soyinka, co-founded Mbari, influencing Fela’s belief that a space could be both a performance venue and a progressive salon. The original Shrine, Fela’s home until his passing in 1997, became a symbol of community empowerment, offering jobs and opportunities to the urban poor, or as Fela affectionately called them, the “sufferheads”.
Unable to revive the original Shrine, Fela’s family, led by his daughter Yeni and son Femi, crafted The New Afrika Shrine in 2000.
With no entrance fee for most events, “its doors are open 24/7”, welcoming everyone, regardless of nationality or socioeconomic status. Femi performs regularly with his band, The Positive Force, and Seun, Fela’s younger son, graces the stage with Egypt 80.
Femi emphasized the positive revolution the Shrine embodies, breaking down societal barriers. “The poor people sit with the rich people, the white people sit with the black people, and nobody feels different,” he said, echoing the sentiment of his latest album, One People One World.
The New Afrika Shrine is a thriving community hub that fuels the local economy. Femi noted, “Before it opened, the area around it was all bush. Now there are buildings everywhere. There are clubs, hotels, event centers. We have created a prosperous little city.”
The Shrine’s allure extends beyond Lagos, drawing a diverse array of global icons, from Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill to Anthony Joshua and Naomi Campbell. Even President Emmanuel Macron of France, reliving his Lagos days as a junior diplomat, graced the Shrine in 2018.
As Femi Kuti summed it up, “The Shrine for me is all about positive revolution,” and indeed, the beat of positivity resonates within its walls, creating an atmosphere where, as the saying goes, “You never know who you might bump into at the Shrine. You do know you are going to have a wonderful time.”
Secrets Palace: Luxury Meets Entertainment
Situated in Lekki, Lagos, Secrets Palace defines itself as a “high-end nightlife establishment”. Celebrating its two-year anniversary, the venue has become synonymous with luxury.
“At Secrets Palace, our mission is to create a refined and sophisticated haven for gentlemen in Lagos, Nigeria, where they can unwind and indulge in adult entertainment while experiencing the epitome of luxury and class,” says its website.
Step through the doors, and you are welcomed into a sumptuous and exclusive ambience where opulence meets comfort. The venue’s decor is all elegance and style. Patrons are assured privacy and discretion and it’s a popular destination in Nigeria’s nightlife circuit.
Quilox: Luxury, Style And Celeb-Spotting
For a decade now, Quilox Nightclub with Bar, sited in Victoria Island, Lagos, prides itself as the epitome of Nigeria’s elite nightlife.
“We have hosted the hottest parties in Lagos!” it declares on its website, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in a world where style and luxury converge. The venue is adorned in a striking red, gold, and black theme. A space for dancing, dining, mingling, and networking, it’s a regular haunt for A-listers and celebrities. Quilox also hosts private events with the capacity to host parties ranging from 40 to 400 guests.
Cubana: High-Profile Leisure
With locations in Ikeja and Victoria Island, Cubana has become synonymous with high-profile leisure.
At the heart of the island location is Club Pablo, a 1,000-person capacity luxury night club.
The Grind, a rooftop restaurant and lounge enveloped in steel and glass, offers an indoor-outdoor dining experience. Here, Cubana redefines the traditional open-air bush bar with its contemporary twist, known as Cubana Hut ‘n’ Grill.
Cubana spans major Nigerian cities, with branches in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Owerri.
“Anytime you are in Nigeria, check us out, and I bet you, you will not regret it. Enjoyment is our business,” asserts the club, inviting guests to experience Cubana Lounge, located in the heart of Abuja.
Afefeyeye Restaurant And Bar: A Culinary Haven
In Ikeja, Lagos, Afefeyeye Restaurant and Bar is fast becoming a testament to the intersection of gastronomy, culture, and vibrant entertainment. Affiliated with Kunle Afolayan Productions’ KAPHub, this culinary gem has been igniting taste buds for over two years.
Nollywood actor and producer Kunle Afolayan, the visionary behind Afefeyeye, shared his passion during the opening, stating, “This is a brand born out of pure love for food, culture, and a good time.”
The restaurant’s Yoruba name translates to “lavish leisure”.
The menu reflects both African and intercontinental cuisine. Afolayan invites guests to experience a culinary journey infused with passion and creativity. Afefeyeye is a destination where culinary artistry and cultural richness converge.