By AccraEventsGH
After polling our loyal followers for their favorite live music events in the city, we discovered that over 40 live music events happen in Accra every week. Thereafter, we visited each suggested venue, took notes on their live music experiences and created a poll for our Jammers of Accra to vote for their top 10 live music venues. Based on your votes, these are the top 10 live music venues in Accra and based on our notes, this what makes each of them special.
#1: ZEN GARDEN
📍 Labone
💸 Free - GHC100
📅 Mondays to Sundays
⏰ 8:30PM
👥 Gen Z - Gen X
The live music scene at Zen Garden is a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness and musical diversity. The conveniently located venue offers live music experiences that are both engaging and soulful. Zen Garden perfectly blends relaxation and simplicity, incorporating lush greenery and wooden decor to create a tranquil ambiance. Guests can unwind in the breezy outdoor space or retreat to the cozy indoor lounge for intimate performances. For over half a decade, Zen Garden has hosted talented local bands every night of the week. Patrons are treated to a diverse lineup featuring genres like Jazz, Afrobeats, Acoustic, Hip-Life, Palm Wine music, Highlife, and more. Each night exhibits a different musical theme, making it no surprise that Zen Garden secured the highest number of votes for the best live music venue in Accra.
#2: +233 JAZZ BAR & GRILL
📍 Ring Road
💸 Free - GHC200
📅 Tuesdays to Saturdays
⏰ 8PM
👥 Gen X - Baby Boomer
With the longest running Live Music scene on this list, +233 Jazz Bar & Grill has offered a wide array of live music options from classic old-school covers to live renditions of local music for over 15 years, thus attracting a more mature crowd. The venue exudes a laid-back yet lively atmosphere with its cozy seating arrangement that facilitates conversation but also provides flexibility for the audience to groove to the performances. +233 Jazz Bar and Grill showcases the talents of local and international musicians who captivate the audience with their improvisational skills and soulful renditions. The venue yields its breezy outdoor environment to patrons from Tuesday to Saturday every week. Their most active days are Wednesdays and Saturdays, however, +233 is a great place to socialize, listen to good music, and unwind on any day.
#3: THE GOLD COAST RESTAURANT
📍 Cantonments
💸 Free - GHC50
📅 Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays
⏰ 8PM
👥 Gen X - Baby Boomer
This eatery known for its exquisite blend of traditional Ghanaian cuisine, provides a rich local culinary experience that pairs perfectly with the rhythmic melodies of their live band sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The Gold Restaurant also hosts one of the most lively Fufu Parties' that Accra can affordoptions every Sunday. The venue is a melting pot where traditional Ghanaian rhythms blend seamlessly with contemporary beats from across the globe. Patrons are enveloped by the soulful melodies of local highlife bands, their rhythmic guitars and pulsating drums. The aroma of delicious Ghanaian cuisine mingling with the sounds of live music creates an unforgettable sensory experience. Whether enjoying a cool evening breeze on the outdoor terrace or soaking in the rhythmic energy indoors, you'll be treated to the reason why the Gold Coast is a highly regarded live music venue.
#4: BELLA AFRIK
📍 Liberation Road
💸 Free
📅 Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays
⏰ 7PM (Mon, Tue, Fri) & 2PM (Sun)
👥 Gen Z - Millenial
Bella Afrik is an exotic dining destination that harmoniously blends authentic Italian flavors with traditional African aesthetics and music, celebrating the beauty of both cultures. The restaurant exudes a rustic charm featuring a natural wood and bamboo interior, complemented by modern wicker furnishings. Bella Afrik stands out not only for its exquisite culinary options, but also for its diverse activities, including cooking classes, arts and crafts, and live music performances. The versatile and tranquil space is perfect for both relaxing and vibrant live performances. The stage entertains a variety of local musical genres, from Romantic Piano renditions on Mondays, Highlife on Tuesdays, to traditional African music on Fridays and Sundays. This array of genres showcases the talents of local maestros. Patrons can enjoy Ghanaian-inspired cocktails served in calabashes, adding a rare African touch to the dining experience. Despite its location near the presidential palace, Bella Afrik has become a hotspot for youthful and elite clientele.
#5: SOHO LOUNGE
📍 Airport
💸 RSVP
📅 Mondays to Saturdays
⏰ 7PM
👥 Millenial - Gen X
SOHO Lounge is an upscale venue that offers a unique blend of elegance and comfort, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a luxurious night out. This conveniently located establishment garnered numerous votes, undoubtedly for its elaborate live music events on Fridays, which are arguably the most spectacular on this list. Its chic interior, ambient lighting, and plush seating contribute significantly to its allure, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. On Friday nights, SOHO delivers a dazzling array of side attractions, from fire breathers and dancers to contortionists and even magicians. While these spectacles may vary each week, the live music and vibrant atmosphere remain constant. SOHO also hosts other live music sessions from Monday to Saturday, each with its own appeal, ranging from intimate performances to open mic nights. This assortment of events, coupled with SOHO's gourmet menu, expertly crafted cocktails, and alluring ambiance, undoubtedly explain SOHO's prominent placement on this list.
#6: EL PADRINO LOUNGE
📍 Airport
💸 Strictly RSVP
📅 Thursdays & Saturdays
⏰ 8:30PM
👥 Millenials - Baby Boomers
The El Padrino Lounge is a luxurious and sophisticated venue that caters to a more mature and upper-class audience. Featuring a dark wood with brown leather interior, and modern light fixtures that accentuate the dark aesthetic, El Padrino offers a top-notch live music experience for those seeking to unwind in a high-class setting. The lounge boasts the city's most extensive list of premium Whiskeys and an impressive selection of authentic imported cigars. A popular hangout for local celebrities and high rollers, El Padrino is the priciest establishment on this list. Every Thursday night, the lounge hosts an Afro-Style Jazz night that perfectly complements its ambiance. Due to the cozy space and high demand, the RSVP list fills up quickly, highlighting the popularity of their live music event. El Padrino also features one-off live performances with international acts on special occasions and holidays. With its exclusivity, comfort, attentive service, intimate atmosphere, and high-end menu of delectable dishes, it's no surprise that El Padrino Lounge is one of Accra's favorite live music spots according to your votes.
#7: TREEHOUSE RESTAURANT
📍 Nyaniba
💸 Free
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 8PM
👥 Gen Z - Millenial
Treehouse Restaurant is a unique dining destination nestled amidst lush greenery, that provides an enchanting atmosphere for its guests to relax and unwind. Located on a side street in downtown Accra, this restaurant presents a perfect escape from the tumult of Oxford Street. The elegant restaurant hosts a calm and inviting live music experience every Tuesday and Thursday. The restaurant's charming natural accents and layout, fosters an atmosphere for mingling and socializing, which draws an audience of classy yet laid-back middle-aged adults to their soirees. Treehouse has also proven itself a worthy concert venue, hosting memorable international acts like PJ Morton and Denzel Curry. With all this potential and allure, it's easy to see why Treehouse is a live music favorite among its vibrant clientele.
#8: VEGGIES N GRILLS
📍 Ashongman
💸 Free
📅 Fridays & Sundays
⏰ 8PM
👥 Gen Z - Millenial
Veggies N Grills offers a unique live music experience that appeals to locals in the serene outskirts of Accra. As the most budget-friendly venue on this list, Veggies and Grills provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy Hip-life and Afrobeats live band performances alongside an array of local favorites. The rustic decor and ample seating create a vibrant setting for memorable evenings filled with acoustic melodies. Local up-and-coming talents frequently take the spotlight, captivating audiences with their passion for music and keeping the venue active on live music nights. The vibrant, low-pressure ambiance appeals to patrons who prioritize comfort and a good time, often dressing casually to enjoy the evening. This combination of affordability, lively energy, and their welcoming environment has earned Veggies and Grills a spot among the top live music venues in Accra.
#9: JAMROCK GRILL & RESTAURANT
📍 Spintex Road
💸 Free
📅 Wednesdays & Fridays
⏰ 8PM
👥 Gen X - Baby Boomers
Jamrock Grill & Restaurant, located poolside at the Oak Plaza Hotel, is a vibrant culinary destination that brings the essence of Jamaica to Accra. Renowned for its flavorful Jamaican cuisine, Jamrock Grill features classic dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat, and oxtail stew. The restaurant's lively atmosphere is complemented by reggae music and a warm, friendly staff, offering an authentic taste of the Caribbean during every visit. This makes it an attractive destination for live music enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience. Jamrock serves a Jamaican buffet during its Reggae nights to complement the theme and enhance the live music experience. Though Friday nights are typically reserved for reggae live music, Jamrock occasionally mixes things up with live music from different parts of the world, matching the buffet to the live music theme of the night. Additionally, Jamrock hosts live saxophone music and wine on select Wednesdays, proving itself a unique live music haven with a rich cultural element. The voters' recognition of Jamrock's uniqueness speaks to its place in Accra's Top 10 live music spots.
#10: FRONTBACK
📍 Osu
💸 Members Only
📅 Thursdays
⏰ 9PM
👥 Gen Z - Millenial
FrontBack is celebrated for its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for energetic and youthful music enthusiasts. This venue hosts a diverse range of events, including its signature live music nights every Thursday from 8PM. Unlike other establishments, FrontBack features the Honey Groove band as a regular presence during live music nights, while also spotlighting popular local talents such as Camidoh, Sister Derby, Efya, and more as headliners. They also provide a platform for emerging stars to perform. The intimate of the FrontBack outdoors encourages guests to engage with the talents while enjoying their performances. The acts cover a range of contemporary styles, from their personal releases to soulful vocals of classic covers in genres like Afrobeats, Slow Jams and more. The pulsating rhythms and energetic performances create an immersive experience. Following the live music, sets by resident DJs further energize the crowd, contributing to FrontBack's esteemed position on this list.
BONUS: THE WOODS
📍 Osu
💸 Free
📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 7PM
👥 Gen Z - Millenial
The Woods offers a captivating live music experience amidst a tranquil setting. Though located downtown, The Woods is tucked in a serene pocket, untouched by the city's hustle. Every Wednesday for over half a decade, this venue has provided a retreat where music enthusiasts gather to enjoy acoustic sessions, live bands, and DJ sets, occasionally organized with the help of MadeEntAfrica. The modern-rustic ambiance, polished bamboo exterior, and outdoor poolside create a cozy atmosphere perfect for both relaxing evenings and lively performances. The poolside setting adds an air of serenity, and the minimalist seating arrangements ensure that the space is never overcrowded, making it ideal for winding down. The predominant genres here are Afrobeats, alternative sounds, soul and contemporary African music, showcasing the talent of local up-and-coming artists. The Woods also offers unique local cocktails and tantalizing local finger foods that pair with the vibrant ambiance and youthful clientele.
Accra's live music scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for music lovers of all tastes. From the upscale elegance of SOHO Lounge to the authentic Caribbean vibes of Jamrock Grill & Restaurant, each venue brings something unique to the table. The eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary sounds at places like +233 Jazz Bar & Grill and the intimate, high-energy performances at FrontBack highlight the city's dynamic cultural landscape. These top 10 live music venues, as voted by our loyal followers, not only provide outstanding musical performances but also create inviting atmospheres for socializing and unwinding. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these spots promise unforgettable evenings filled with rhythm, melody, and vibrant community spirit. Ensure your voice is heard in our upcoming polls by voting HERE. To explore more of our countdown lists, click HERE. Check back again in 2 weeks for new articles or or our next article and updates to old articles. Till then remember that "life is for living so live it up!"
Do You Agree With These Votes?
ABSOLUTELY! This is what I expected!
I did not vote so I can not complain
Awesome. Thank you for this