The Afrobeats experience in Lagos is more than just sound, it’s a full-on cultural explosion.

Music, fashion, nightlife, and energy come together in the city that started it all. If you want to live and breathe Afrobeats, Lagos is where it happens.

1. Dance To Afrobeats At Lagos Clubs

Begin at the iconic Club Quilox in Victoria Island. Known for its luxury feel and elite crowd, it’s where many Afrobeats tracks debut before going global. If you’re lucky, you might spot a celebrity or two in the VIP section.

And if you prefer something deeper and more historic, step into the New Afrika Shrine, Fela Kuti’s spiritual home.

It’s raw, real, and full of rhythm. His son, Femi Kuti, still performs there, keeping the legacy alive through political sound and electric performances. BBC even calls it “the beating heart of Afrobeat history.”

2. See the Afrobeats Stars Up Close

In December, Lagos turns into a non-stop concert city during Detty December (yes, it’s a real thing).

Global superstars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage return home to perform.

It’s not just concerts, it’s a city-wide celebration of sound, culture, and pride.

3. Discover the Next Big Star

Every Tuesday, Hard Rock Cafe Lagos hosts Afrobeats Unsigned, a showcase for rising talents. Many artists who play here go on to feature on platforms like Afrobeats Intelligence, a go-to source for deep dives into Nigeria’s music scene.

If you want bragging rights for “I heard them before they blew up,” this is where to go.

4. Feel the Festival Fever

Make time for Lagos’ biggest music festivals. Flytime Music Festival brings five days of back-to-back Afrobeats concerts every December, featuring the biggest names in the game. Gidi Fest combines beach vibes with top-tier music, spotlighting everything from Afropop to alté.

Both events attract thousands of fans from around the world, making Lagos a must-visit music destination.

5. Dress the Part: The Afrobeats Look

Afrobeats isn’t just music, it’s fashion-forward.

Explore high-end Nigerian style at Temple Muse and Alara Lagos. These concept stores curate Afro-fusion fashion that has been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Burna Boy, and Wizkid in music videos and red carpets.

Or go local and commission a custom piece using Ankara or Aso-Oke. It’s a bold, proud style that stands out and that’s the point.

6. Dig into the Vinyl Renaissance

Lagos is seeing a vinyl comeback.

Visit Jazzhole Records in Ikoyi for classic Afrobeat records, from Fela Kuti to King Sunny Adé. It’s a goldmine for music lovers and collectors.

Should you be looking for rare releases or limited pressings, Soul Train Record Store specialises in rare Nigerian vinyl and even ships internationally.

7. Take the Rhythm Home

You don’t have to just watch, you can join in.

Lagos is full of music stores and cultural centers offering drumming workshops.

Learn traditional rhythms and how they shaped today’s Afrobeats. For hands-on experiences, try Terra Kulture or Freedom Park Lagos, where workshops and live sessions are part of the experience.

Local music stores sell authentic talking drums and percussion instruments and many offer shipping services.

Afrobeats Experience in Lagos: Sound, Style, & Vibe