As you may know, Kinshasa is a party town. Just type “Nightclub” on Google Maps, and you will get 110 recommendations (I counted them all!). See here.

Since the 60s, Kinshasa or Léopoldville as it was called, vibrated to the sounds of the guitar and other instruments. Jean Depara, one of Africa’s well known photographers (link to my post on photographers of the DRC) documented it well. Clubs such as the Afro Negro, the Oui, the Fifi, the Djambo-Djambu, the Binga Bar made sure no one was bored at night.

Even the famous late soul Makossa king Manu Dibango came to the Congo to play a few tunes as told in the Kosubaawate blog.

Since the 50s my family has been here and they have told me stories of dancing, parties and great musicians who have played here as well as the most recognised party venues of the times. One of the most memorable evenings I think was the concert in 74 by American and African musicians before the Ali-Foreman fight. See the whole 1 hour and a half concert below. Also check out my post on Congolese music.

Off the top of my head, I remember my father mentioning a club in the 80s in Ma Campagne called Cocotier. In the 90s and 2000s, I remember hearing about l’Imprévu near Utexafrica.

Later on, there was the amazing Kwilu open air bar near the Cour Suprême.

In the 2010s, we would go to Ibiza Bar that became Wido Bar. A lot of bands played there.

I had some friends who played in an epic band called Capitaine Tokoss. They toured all the big bars of the city. Royce (vocals), Andrew (guitar), Max (guitar), Paulin (drums), Gloire (bass), Emma (percussions) were the members. They had plans to record an album. I think it’s still a goal! They played at a cool spot that was made of old car parts and frames called Station Washington near Huilerie.

Those were the days!

Now however, people squeeze into Chacha bar, a tasteful club and terrasse on top of the first skyscraper of Kinshasa on the Forescom roundabout. But don’t go too often as you might get Chacha fatigue.

There are now many clubs that Indians have opened, playing the latest Nigerian hits. They are closed air conditioned boxes with no regard for fire evacuations. Most people just sit around a bottle of whisky and stare at each other in silence. Rarely do you see someone dancing these days. I have not been out lately so things might have changed.

We are now in 2023 however and these are my recommendations.

• Chacha bar, as mentioned above, for a western spot with mainstream hits and a nice list of cocktails and food. Great views of the city and central location (Gombe). A bit pricey.
• Koi Zen is a restaurant (Koi) and bar/terrasse (Zen) that just opened in 2023. The restaurant is run by the famous chef Coco Reinharz. The bar on top is a lounge. World cuisine with an African flair. Fancy and expensive. Lounge food is more affordable but only just.
• La Crèche is not quite a club but a cramped shady rooftop terrasse at the Victoire roundabout. Its main attraction is the old rumba band that plays almost every night and will call out your name in exchange for a beer.
• Cheetah 2 in Bonmarché is a terrasse that is great for a bit of goat meat and a beer on a hot Kinshasa night. Simple and delicious. Be prepared to wait an hour for your meat so drink up!
• Planète J is also a good spot for some goat meat (Socimat and near Citymarket)
• Chez Ntemba near Forescom is an institution for Congolese music lovers. Check out this wonderful article by my friend Greg in the Africa Report.
• Carré Club in Bonmarché reopened recently. It is also a classic spot in Kinshasa.
• Fiesta (NOW CLOSED!) used to be a crazy club where people stayed up until 5 or 6 am. I’m not sure it still has that staying power (on me anyways!).
• Le Baron is a chill bar venue in town good to listen to some reggae by Kassim Lafraz on Thursdays
• La Datcha is a charming and tiny but usually packed spot that plays mostly mainstream tracks. The owners are always there to check on everything. Some nights there’s a live band.
• At Inzia you can sometimes catch Jupiter Okwess’s band playing. A jazzy funky rocky ensemble called Sonor Ba Nkosi.
• Champagne Lounge Bar redid its interior and opened a new lounge at the back called Tori Kago (old La Terrasse). Worth having a look!
• For a great live rumba band headed by Nathalis Royce Mbumba go to the Pullman Hotel (old Intercontinental) where Muhammad Ali stayed in 73. Usually they play in the evenings on weekdays and sometimes weekends. I haven’t been in a while so I’m not sure I’m still correct. They also organise Latin nights on Fridays with a team of expert dancers of Kizomba, Salsa and Bachata.
• Also check out l’Institut Français as they have a killer venue for concerts.
• If you want to experience being in a tight space with loud music, expensive drinks and a huge light and mirror show, don’t miss out on Millionaire or Enigma. People with expensive tastes in champagne and whiskey also tend to flock to K-Lounge. Maybe book a table or sit at the bar.
• Kong is an underground club (again, I hope that there is never a fire here!) near Forescom that plays the usual Nigerian afrobeat but may also have different genres depending on the night or event. It is run by an old French rugbyman who has opened many clubs in South Africa. It used to be the old venue of Chez Ntemba which moved a block further.
• Kuku Pemba in Ndjili. The name comes from local folklore I believe. She or he was a god from Bandundu. The bar is made of recycled material and aims to remind the patrons to reduce and recycle their waste. I have not been yet but I’ve heard great things. They also have art work made from waste. It was opened earlier this year by Roland Verbiest, a Dutch business man and Congolese folklore story teller. Google Maps location. This place is behind the Marché de la Liberté on the way to the airport. It is part of a huge sprawling township or “cité”. It is close to the main road. Try to go in the day but maybe it’s also ok at night. I’m told there is safe parking but I have not been yet!

In terms of drinks/cocktails, most places charge 15 to 20 usd for basic bland cocktails. Stick to beer if you don’t want to be disappointed. Ask for a very cold one! I like a good Tembo or Nkoyi or Heineken. Primus isn’t bad too! They are celebrating 100 years this year!

Have I forgotten one? Let me know! Do you have old pictures or stories of Kinshasa’s nightlife?