African live music in Cape Town

African bites with African beats

Shake your booty to the sound of Marimbas, African drums and African voices; and enjoy being in the European Africa called Cape Town. But hey, here you can also feel the beat of Africa. We found restaurants that offer delicious African bites with African beats.

Mama Africa
A true favourite amongst visitors and practically an institution in Cape Town. The restaurant Mama Africa offers African live music every night of the week, it’s closed on Sundays. Pop in for dinner or a drink and drift away to African tunes.

178 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 1017

Karibu
Set between the picturesque view of Table Mountain and the tranquil blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Karibu is where you’ll experience vibrant flavours of South Africa. Expect African ambience, African delicacies and talented musicians.

Shop No. 156, Lower Level Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 7005

Marco's African Place
Experience live music from all over Africa, from Marimbas to jazz. Marco's African Place has a vibrant and bubbly atmosphere, and counts as a true African experience in Cape Town's city centre. It’s only closed on Mondays.

15 Rose Lane | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 5412

Thuthuka Jazz Café 

Owner Laura Ndukwana offers international visitors the chance to have a meal, mix with locals and enjoy world-class jazz that’s infused with traditional musical elements in the Gugulethu township. Popular amongst Capetonians and tourists alike, here you can get a taste of what South Africa is all about: to dance, wine and dine.



Gugulethu | +27 (0)82 979 5831

Cape Town is Cape Town. It’s very relaxed and unorgani... ehm, spontaneous. At the following venues, they don’t offer regular African music, but they do every once in a while, so please contact them for details.

Marimba Restaurant
This restaurant is open from Monday to Friday to public and throughout the week for functions and events. The Marimba Restaurant offers African live music up to four times a month. Located at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, it’s a stylish venue featuring live Jazz and African world music. 

Corner of Coen Steytler & Heerengracht Street | Foreshore | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 3366

Afro Café Bar
The Afro Cafe Bar in Church Street is a bright and unpretentious day-restaurant. A taste of Africa is provided in this Afro-themed café, so sit inside or outside and listen to the songs of street musicians at lunch time that liven up the daily antique market.

48 Church Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 1857

The Africa Café
Be enchanted by African percussion and the singing staff while the sun sets behind Lion's Head. Afterwards, indulge in traditional African dishes before exploring what else Cape Town's nightlife has to offer.

108 Shortmarket Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 0221

by Antonia Heil
 

Are you a jazz lover? Make sure to check out Cape Town's jazz clubs. Make sure you have a listen to some South African Music in our Jukebox.

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