The Best Music Venues in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

La Cantine is one of those places you might want to visit after a busy day. This small restaurant is located near the roundabout of ‘la coupole’ within the city centre of Brazzaville. The restaurant specialises in Moroccan and Italian cuisine, but is best known for making the most amazing pizzas in town. The prices are affordable and the décor will remind anyone of a restaurant in Italy. During the evenings, this cozy restaurant has a live karaoke session where diners can enjoy listening to music while having their meals, or can even participate in the karaoke sessions.

There is no way you can miss a night out at L’espanade du Palais des Congres de Brazzaville. This venue has hosted hundreds of epic concerts over the years and has been the making of many local Congolese musicians. Some local musicians that have performed in this venue include the very popular Koffi Olomide and Roga Roga. Earlier this year, in May 2018 the much raved-about Nigerian musician Davido hosted his first African tour ‘30 billion Africa’ in this venue. The venue holds about 500 people and is a great place to experience afrobeat music too. It hosts Congo’s annual pan-African music festival every September.

L’institut Francaise du Congo is the place to be for an exceptional cultural experience in Congo. This venue hosts a variety of artistic and cultural events from art exhibitions and photography workshops to live music performances and karaoke nights, or even exhibitions based on musical theme. The atmosphere is warm, modern, and artsy. The music perfomed on live music nights is a mixture of both Congolese and French, so audience members can really enjoy a taste of both cultures at the French Institute in Congo.

Located in the city centre, this restaurant is yet another place to cool off and enjoy amazing Korean cuisine while listening to and partaking in great karaoke music. The karaoke stage is accessible to anyone who wants to practice or show off their musical skills. The atmosphere and design of this restaurant evokes a sense of cozy modernity, and everything is Korean-inspired. Food-wise, the menu offers delicious meals such as sushi, chicken chaufa and many other mouth-watering Asian-influenced dishes. Prices are affordable and the staff are friendly. It’s a great place for music and karaoke lovers to relax and enjoy local talent while enjoying a delicious meal.

In Bacongo, Congo’s most-hyped and grooviest neighbourhood, there’s a place only locals know. Songui Songui’, meaning “gossip” in Lingala, is a bar located on l’Avenue Dehyped Djoue and is the perfect setting for a night out with friends. Enjoy great cocktails or a glass of wine while enjoying live music. This is the place to discover local talent as the bar also hosts local Congolese musicians on most nights.