While you might doubt this, Jazz has been part of the Nairobi’s pop-cultural makeup with roots spanning back to the ’60s. The Nairobi jazz scene lives not only from international influences but also from traditional folk music influences. There are many festivals and jazz clubs popping up and a number of notable jazz spots and art spaces are embracing the thriving jazz scene in Nairobi. That explains why there’s so much live jazz music happening every night.
Nairobi has a myriad of choices when it comes to its nightlife and since we are looking at jazz, here is a guide to the best and ideal Jazz spots you should pay a visit while in Nairobi.
1. Brew Bistro and Lounge
Located in Piedmont Plaza | 671 Ngong Road, Nairobi, Brew Bistro and Lounge is the ultimate place for jazz music lovers. The Brew Bistro and Lounge offers a magnificent Sunday Brunch in the Brew Garden Terrace featuring classy and creative brunch items, accompanied by the smooth sounds of jazz. As if that’s not enough, catch up with Nairobi’s popular jazz bands every Thursday evening as the club hosts Happy Thursday.
2. Makuti Bar- InterContinental Hotel
Popularly known as the Birdland Haven, Makuti Bar is located at the Intercontinental Hotel right at the heart of Nairobi’s CBD and has been one of the long-standing jazz spots in Nairobi for years. Makuti Bar is home to a wide array of live music performances throughout the week that feature predominantly Jazz, Funk, and Blues. Escape from the hustles and noise of Nairobi and Immerse yourself on a pleasurable evening themed with good food, drinks, and jazz music. It doesn’t matter if you are a long-time jazz enthusiast or a newbie to the jazz circuit, I assure you Jazz has got something that keeps all music fans entertained. What I love about Makuti Bar is the fact that I get to hang out with a more mature crowd.
3. The Blue’s Restaurant
This legendary basement club located at Barclays Plaza, Loita Street is a hidden yet intimate jazz bar that hosts top jazz musicians and bands from the city and beyond. I’ve been to Blue’s Restaurant and Bar once and what I like about it is the fact that their sound system is not insanely amplified hence, the music performed travels smoothly to the audience. The decor is also simple and induces good vibes. Jazz nights are usually every Friday.
4. Flame Tree Restaurant
The Flame Tree Restaurant at the Sarova Panafric has been a vibrant brasserie as an all in one café and has been popular for their great service, drinks, and their delectable menu that embodies a smart eclectic cuisine, lighter cooking techniques aimed at higher retention of nutrients, creatively designed and presented plates using pleasing color effects, offering balanced meals with an eye to healthy eating. Besides that, Flames Tree is also a great place to listen to great music. The decor is exquisite and sets the mood for some smooth, relaxing jazz music. Jazz nights are on Tuesdays and Fridays.
5. Nyama Mama
Located on Waiyaki Way, Nyama Mama has won the hearts of many Nairobi revelers. It is their choice for an all-inclusive restaurant for a well-deserved cocktail, yummy meals. Besides that, it hosts a live jazz performance on its veranda-turned-stage. This is a spot for music lovers who would want to enjoy a Sunday brunch with a difference or a Friday night that is absolutely exquisite. During jazz nights expect jazz masters to bring you the best in blues, soul or Latin or a mix of genres
6. Karel T Lounge
Karel T Lounge restaurant brings the Mediterranean feel and culture and shares its exquisite culinary art here in Kenya. located on the 1st floor of the new Village Market Mall, Gigiri, the bar also offers a selection of amazing cocktails and beers and a collection of exquisite wine labels. It is also one of the finest jazz spots in Nairobi. While enjoying the food and drinks, you get to listen to a live band play some nice relaxing music. The live music, usually a med of blues, Latin, jazz, pop, and swing will end your Saturday in a good mood.
