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  • Africa has always had a loud voice, but lately, it is getting louder. If you haven’t already been to one of the many music festivals that seem to crop up all over the place, you’re missing out.

     

    Don’t know what we are on about, but love the way that music makes you feel? Check out our list of the top music festivals in Africa and get ready to party.

    Lake of Stars, Malawi

    Held at the Chintheche Inn on the picturesque banks of Lake Malawi, this diverse event celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. From Indie Pop to Afro Rock, you’ll find inspiring music to suit every taste.

     

    Add engaging workshops and seminars to the mix, and it’s not hard to see why this beloved festival has won so many awards – plus you can pass it off as being an educational experience. Held over 3 days you can dance in the dust and then take a dip in the lake, what’s not to like?

    Bushfire, Swaziland

    Bushfire, held in the town of Malkerns, is one of the best-known events on the African music scene. Besides, it won the 2017 Best Responsible Event at the 2017 African Responsible Tourism Awards.

     

    Expect to feel great about yourself as you enjoy music, poetry, dance, theatre and visual arts since all profits go directly to charity. CNN called this one of the “7 African music festivals you have to see” and who are we to argue? Do it.

    Felabration, Nigeria

    Yeni Kuti organised the first Felabration back in 1998, in honour of her father Fela Kuti. The Nigerian-born activist and Afrobeat pioneer had a wide global influence. Felabration is held at the New Afrika Shrine in the city of Ikeja in October, during the week of his birthday.

     

    In addition to world-class local acts and international headliners, revellers get to experience important symposia on political events, photo exhibitions, debates and even street parades. If you love Afrobeat, you know where you need to be.

    Cape Town International Jazz Festival

    This is sub-Saharan Africa’s most significant musical event and has been dubbed one of the greatest gatherings on the continent. The two-day extravaganza is held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, and other locales around the city.

     

    Notable artists over the years have included Hugh Masekela, Beatenberg and Cannibal Ox, and this festival has a bit of a feel of a giant street party, so it’s well worth checking out, even if jazz isn’t your thing.

    Sandbox Festival, Egypt

    Want to party alongside the pyramids? El Gouna, the premier resort city in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, is the venue for this celebration of great vibes in an intimate setting.

     

    This electronic music festival is one of the hippest to hit Africa, and you can also enjoy kiting, diving, snorkelling or simply sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun while listening to banging tunes from some of the world’s top DJs.

  • We’ve always known Africa is the coolest continent. Now it seems like the rest of the world is waking up to that fact too. Instead of only going to well-known tourist spots, they’re finding the hidden gems, where creatives are producing music and art that’s just awesome.

     

    Of course, the outstanding natural beauty of our continent is still a massive attraction for tourists. But increasingly, neighborhoods are finding their voice and identity, and travelers are loving it. Take a look at what we think are some of the trendiest locales, in some of the best African cities.

    Lagos, Nigeria: Victoria Island

    Live it up in Lagos

    Choosing our favorite neighborhood in Lagos was tough! But “the Island”, as locals call it, has something for everyone. Eko Hotel is perfect for luxury accommodation and high-profile events, and a lot of functions are also held at the landmark Civic Centre.

     

    The Red Door Gallery is just one of the dozens of spaces used by creatives to show their work, and there are also several theatres and world-class restaurants to discover here. Make a point of seeing what is playing at Terra Kulture Theatre, and stopping by Crust and Cream for some heavenly dessert.

    Johannesburg, South Africa: Maboneng Precinct

    Arts and crafts in Johannesburg

    A recent Forbes list of the world’s 12 coolest neighborhoods mentioned both Kalk Bay in Cape Town and Maboneng, but we like the Johannesburg option a little more. Since Maboneng is not in the Mother City, you are less likely to be overrun by tourists.

     

    Soak up some culture at the Museum of African Design and Arts on Main, before you stop for a bite to eat at Pata Pata or Che Argentine Grill where you can listen to a live tango band on weeknights. Or, if you’re watching a movie at the Bioscope Independent Theatre, enjoy a pizza or burger at their en-suite diner, The Chalkboard Café.

    Marrakesh, Morocco: Kennaria

    Marvellous Marrakesh

    The Red City attracts a lot of tourists, but Kennaria gets our vote for the coolest area. You’ll find it inside the Medina, the old walled part of Marrakesh.

    Nearby is the famous main square, the Djema-el-Fna, where you can watch snake charmers and dancing monkeys, get a gorgeous henna tattoo or be entranced by storytellers. Exploring the many tiny shops and cafés is also a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

    Cairo, Egypt: Zamalek

    Colourful Cairo

    Eclectic galleries and fair trade stores make Zamalek one of Cairo’s most dynamic enclaves. The Museum of Modern Art is on the grounds of the Cairo Opera House, so make sure you check out both to feast both your eyes and your ears.

    When you’re feeling peckish, settle into the all-white Sequoia Restaurant on the banks of the Nile. The rotating menu of international and Egyptian dishes is truly something special, with the mombar and eggplant being particularly popular. You can also ask them to add vodka to your freshly squeezed juice!

    Kigali, Rwanda: Nyamirambo

    Dancing in Rwanda

    Loud music is not permitted after 8 pm in Kigali, but there is a vibrant underground music scene in Nyamirambo. Established and emerging artists perform, with hip-hop and reggae being the most popular styles. Choice Motel is one place you have to stop and listen to what’s playing.

    After a night of great music, get the indigenous version of morning coffee at the nearest milk bar. You’ll find several of them, serving warm, fresh milk with tea, honey or cocoa powder. Add a banana, like the locals do, and you’ll have all the energy you need to go exploring.