By Sarah Angel Majeed

Are you bored of the same lifeless places? Do you want to celebrate your culture, make new friends, or impress a partner? Then look no further because Chop has the ultimate nights out to ensure you never have to suffer from dull music, drab food, and bad vibes again.

1. AfroLand

Cost: Ticket prices range from £11 to £15, depending on how early you buy them.

Step into AfroLand, part of the What’s The Motive Club family. It’s the go-to spot for Caribbean and African club vibes, specialising in the awesome beats of Afrobeats and Amapiano. AfroLand loves switching things up and moving around to cool places like Trapeze Shoreditch. Imagine a circus-themed venue promising live acts and fancy productions – that’s AfroLand. It’s not just a party; it’s a super fun night celebrating music, heritage, and culture. Then there’s Brixton Jamm – a big deal for West Africans in South London. It features the UK’s first in-house Martin Audio MLA Compact sound system and giant LED visuals, making it perfect for parties, especially in the summer. And when it gets too hot, the roof opens up to show off the city skyline and warm booths, like a beach party in the middle of Brixton. AfroLand isn’t just a party; it’s a journey through Caribbean and African vibes. Join the fun, where the music, culture, and good times come together. 

Visit their website for more information.

2. Cococure 

Cost: Free Entry. Food from £15.

Enter the vibrant realm of Cococure, where unforgettable dining experiences, lively socialising nights, and speciality cocktails converge. With locations in Aldgate and Stratford, each venue emanates a warm and energetic atmosphere, elevating the good vibes to a banging level. Cococure isn’t just a place; it’s a fusion of West African culture and luxury entertainment. At both locations, patrons are treated to an immersive blend of delectable dining options and soul-stirring music, promoting the rich tapestry of West African sounds and traditions every weekend. Don’t miss the Wednesday Game Night, a favourite among many. This weekly extravaganza features an all-night happy hour with £6 cocktails and showcases suya specials at £15 for attendees. Suya, a traditional smoked spiced meat skewer beloved across West Africa, takes centre stage, tantalising taste buds with its rich flavours. For those in the mood for something else, Cococure’s extensive menu offers a variety of West African dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. The club’s unique take on mid-week has become a weekly haven for West Africans to come together, bonding over board games and creating lasting memories in an atmosphere buzzing with cultural flair and camaraderie.

Visit their website for more information.

3. Akoko

Cost: – £120 for the tasting menu.

Embark on a culinary journey at Akoko, a beacon of luxury dining nestled on Berners Street in London. This West African gem takes pride in its live-fire cooking, infusing British seasonal ingredients with the bold and aromatic spices of West Africa. Akoko doesn’t just offer a meal; it’s an extravagant experience promising a cultural resonance and distinct exceptionalism. Delve into its innovative twists on traditional dishes, where ox tongue and Yassa are restaurant staples. For those seeking an all-encompassing exploration, Akoko presents a full-tasting menu on Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 6 pm to 9 pm, lasting three hours and featuring a symphony of nine dishes, including two delectable desserts. This tasting extravaganza is priced at £120, and you can elevate the experience by opting for Akoko’s speciality wine pairing for £200. Whether aiming to impress a significant other or crave an adventurous night out, Akoko is ready to exceed expectations with a fusion of cultural richness and culinary brilliance.

Nestled in Suffolk Street, The Africa Centre has advocated for education, connection, and celebration of Africa and its diaspora since its inception in 1964. This cultural hub pulsates with life, offering dynamic evening entertainment ranging from open mic nights echoing with the resonance of diverse voices, -, palm-wine guitar sessions strumming a vibrant melody, and the infectious beats of live Congolese music. Cultural richness meets literary exploration with meet-the-author events, where authors like Kenny Imafidon, author of “That Peckham Boy,” share their insights. Lively weekend markets, where local and small African businesses showcase their products, create a tapestry of entrepreneurial spirit and cultural exchange. Gearing up for its March AWAN Festival (14 to 30 March), a dazzling showcase of female talent from the UK and the diaspora. It promises to feature a fusion of music, spoken word, and visual art that celebrates the creativity and resilience of women. As The Africa Centre marks its 60th anniversary, the festivities reach a crescendo with the “How Black People Won World War II” exhibition. This milestone exhibition pays homage to history and invites visitors to explore the untold narratives that shaped the world. 

Visit their website for more information.

4. The Africa Centre

Cost: AWAN Festival Free Entry/ How Black People Won WWII – £3.05 

Visit their website for more information.

5. Wahala Comedy Clash

Cost: £28/£30

Prepare for a laughter-filled spectacle as the highly anticipated Wahala Comedy Clash returns on 8 June 2024, gracing the iconic stage of the Indigo O2. Following last year’s triumphant sold-out show, this comedy extravaganza promises a loud clash of Jamaican and African comedic brilliance. The lineup boasts the hilarious stylings of Richard Blackwood, Slim, and Toju, ensuring an evening of side-splitting entertainment that crosses borders and brings together West Africa and the Caribbean. The charismatic Kane Brown will host the event, comedians will go head-to-head in roasts, aiming to settle the age-old debate of who truly holds the title of the funniest. Comedy enthusiasts are urged to secure their seats promptly to avoid missing out on this night of belly laughs and unforgettable moments. The event promises to leave you in stitches and create lasting memories of laughter and joy.

Visit their website for more information.