The New Afrika Shrine

The New Afrika Shrine sits on NERDC Road in Agidingbi, Ikeja, the open air hall Femi and Yeni Kuti rebuilt in 2000 after Fela's original Shrine burned in 1977. It works as a venue first and a bar second, with long rows of plastic chairs, beer crates, and suya smoke under one corrugated roof.

It suits music travelers, Afrobeat obsessives, and anyone who wants Lagos nightlife with history attached. It will disappoint anyone after polished cocktails or air conditioning; this is a working shrine, not a lounge.

The Room

The hall holds roughly 2,000 people across a concrete floor, a raised stage, and balcony rails hung with portraits of Fela. Tripadvisor reviewers repeatedly describe it as raw, loud, and welcoming in equal measure. Vendors circulate with grilled suya and cold bottles all night.

The Drinks

Order bottled Nigerian lager, Star or Gulder, served cold from crates for under 1,500 naira, about a dollar. Palm wine appears on some nights, and the suya stalls along the wall handle the food side. Nobody comes for a cocktail list; the Shrine pours simple and cheap so the music stays the point.

The Crowd

Ikeja locals, musicians, and a steady line of international visitors making the pilgrimage. Femi Kuti traditionally plays Sunday nights, and Seun Kuti with Egypt 80 takes the last Saturday of each month. Every October the Felabration festival turns the whole week into a packed citywide event.

The Neighborhood

Agidingbi sits in mainland Ikeja, close to the Lagos State Secretariat and about 20 minutes from Murtala Muhammed Airport without traffic. Pair it with a calmer mainland stop like Bature Brewery for craft beer before the show.

When to Go

Thursday and Sunday are the proven music nights, with doors busy from 20:00 and bands rarely starting before 21:00. Daytime visits work for the history; the room only makes sense full.

What Regulars Say

• Go on a performance night or not at all; reviewers on Tripadvisor call quiet days a shell of the experience.
• Music starts late, so plan to stay past midnight.
• Drinks and entry stay cheap; many nights have no cover at all.
• Keep valuables simple and use a trusted driver for the ride back.

Who It Is For

• The music traveler chasing Afrobeat at its source
• A big group night that needs energy over comfort
• Avoid if you want quiet conversation or a refined drinks list

Lagos has glossier rooms, but none that matter more. The Shrine is the rare venue where the history is still on stage every week.

Explore more live music bars in Lagos, or start from the full Lagos bar guide.