Africans, Caribbeans and all our cousins, like other immigrants, want a piece of home. Music is only one of our greatest exports and it’s no surprise it’s top of our list when we want to relax and unwind. From afrobeats – to reggae, highlife, amapiano and other lesser known genres of African music; in no particular order, here are 5 spots to go experience your preferred flavour in the 6.
Mild Afro Lounge
Right in the heart of downtown Toronto, this luxury afro- continental venue promises an energetic vibe expertly combined with fine dining to deliver an intimate experience. If it’s any indication of this promised quality, Mild Afro appears to be a must-see for the stars. DJ Dope Caesar, Darkoo, Oxlade and more recently, Fireboy stopped by this summer.
Make your way down to Dundas street, Thursday to Sunday anytime from late afternoon to dawn (well, 3am really) for an unforgettable time with friends/family, without doing too much damage to your pockets.
The 6ix Lounge
Famed as Ontario’s most popular afrobeats lounge, The 6ix is the place to go get your fix of all-night afrobeats and amapiano bangers. It doubles as a hot spot for birthday events, hen parties and other events mostly serving the thriving African community in Vaughan and surrounding cities.
Attend exclusive after parties with your fave afrobeats artistes or show off the legwork you’ve just learnt on tiktok at one of the nightly parties hosted here. You can reserve a booth at this hookah lounge any day of the week, except Mondays, if you’re ready to party till midnight on weekdays and 3am on weekends.
La Shish Bar & Grill
Rumour has it that this bar and grill, hidden away on Steeles Avenue, successfully recreates nightlife akin to Lagos, Johannesburg and Nairobi. With a revolving door of local acts like DJ Solid, DJ Basky, DJ Unruly and DJ Freez, it’s no surprise La Shish is always top of mind for party goers of African and other descents. Fill every night of your week with a blend of Afro-diasporan genres from 6pm till dawn (except Mondays). Afrobeats, socca, dancehall, reggaeton, amapiano, afrotech, afrohouse – La Shish is ready to sate your appetite for afro music.
Vibes Lounge
It’s summer 2025 and Vibes Lounge Toronto has earned its place on this shortlist. Out on the night with your crew and happen to have $20 on you? You may end up partying with Afro music celebrities like Asake, Falzthebahdguy and ODUMODUBLVCK, if you can stomach the long queues.
This hole in the wall is a top pick for music event organizers and show runners, evidenced by DJ James’ lit set on September 8th that’s had the city buzzing till today. If you’ve got plans for halloween already, consider adding an afro-infused experience. Pull up to the upcoming thriller party on October 31st.
Toop Lounge
Dancing is hungry work, especially to Afro music. With an after hours menu of mostly Nigerian snacks and other finger foods, The Toop is invested in filling you with liquid courage to bust your best move judgement free. The classic beers, wines, cognacs and spirits at happy hour will make for a memorable birthday, bachelorette party, hen-do and whatever else you have up your sleeve.
This spot doubles as a ‘concert-esque’ party venue. Nigeria’s independence day is upcoming and Toop has presented the perfect green-white-green opportunity to celebrate with Mr. P of Psquare and 9ice.
Which on your list did we miss?
