Here is a list of the largest concert arenas in Africa you should know
Africa has a thriving and diverse music culture, with several arenas and venues acting as entertainment hotspots for live acts.
A few of these are notable for being the biggest and most recognizable music venues on the continent. Showcasing the rich musical legacy and talent that Africa has to offer, these arenas—which range from vibrant metropolises to cultural hotspots—host concerts, festivals, and other events that attract both local and foreign audiences.
In this piece, Mp3bullet put together a list of the largest concert arenas in Africa, some of which has been graced by Afrobeats stars.
Dakar Arena, Senegal
The Dakar Arena, also known as the Palais des sports de Diamniadio, is an indoor arena situated in Diamniadio, Senegal. Constructed between 2016 and 2018, it serves primarily as a venue for basketball games and serves as the home arena for both the Senegal national basketball team and the Senegal women’s national basketball team. With a seating capacity of 15,000 people, the arena is a significant hub for sporting events and other gatherings in the region.
In 2023, Tiwa Savage, PSquare and Fave captivated audiences at the 8th AFRIMA held in the prestigious arena.
In that same event, Burna Boy won the Best Act in Africa and the Best Album of Year award Davido , Davido picked up the Best Male Act in African Inspirational Music award for ‘Stand Strong’ and Best Act, Duo or Group in African Pop for ‘High’, together with Adekunle Gold. AG Baby further took home the Best Act Group in African contemporary music award.
While Wizkid walked away with the Best Act in West Africa award, Asake, who has seen unprecedented success in a short time in the music space, was adjudged to be the Artist of the Year.
Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda- Angola
The Pavilhão Multiusos do Kilamba, with 12,720 seats, is one of the largest indoor arena in Africa and is located in Luanda, Angola. The Roller Hockey World Championship was supposed to be held there when it was first built in 2013. The government of Angola owns this ultramodern arena, which is among the most cutting edge locations on the continent thanks to amenities like hardwood floors and electronic scoreboards. Handball, volleyball, and basketball are just a few of the sports that use it as a backdrop.
Since its erection, no Afrobeats star has held a concert or performed in it.
Palais des Sports Kintélé- Congo
The Palais des Sports, located in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, serves as a versatile arena hosting various events such as handball matches and concerts. With a capacity of over 10,000, notable artists like Fally Ipupa have performed at this venue. However, it’s worth noting that no Nigerian artist has yet had the opportunity to perform here.
Cairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex- Egypt
This stadium is the biggest indoor arena on the African continent, tied with Johannesburg’s Ticketpro Dome. It is situated in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. The complex is adaptable for a range of events, featuring four covered sporting stadiums that satisfy Olympic requirements. Built in 1991 to serve as the venue for the All-Africa Games, the Main Hall can hold up to 20,000 spectators. The location holds national and international conferences in addition to sporting activities like handball and volleyball. It also accommodates fairs and celebrations.
However, no Nigerian artiste has performed nor held a concert here.
Ticketpro Dome- South Africa
Known by its previous name, the Coca-Cola Dome, this arena is the largest indoor seating capacity in Africa. Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa, the 11,000 square meter Dome can hold up to 20,000 spectators. The Sasol Pension Fund is the owner of this 1997-founded company, which is currently run by Thebe Exhibitions. Numerous national and international events are held at the Ticketpro Dome, such as conferences, musical performances, the NBA Africa Game, and more.
In 2015, Flavour performed at the BET Africa Experience concert, showcasing hit songs such as “Ololufe,” “Ada Ada,” “Shake,” and “Nwa Baby.”
The following year, Wizkid took the stage to perform hit songs at the MTV Africa Music Awards. Alongside his live performance, was becoming the biggest winner of the night with three awards.
He walked away with Artist of the Year, Best Male and Best Collaboration, while Yemi Alade took home Best Female, and Tekno was named Best Breakthrough Act.
Yemi Alade also took the stage, not as a performer, but as a host for the 2016 MAMA awards, with support from Bonang Matheba and Nomzamo Mbatha.
ICC Durban Arena
The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex, commonly known as ICC Durban, stands as a prominent events venue situated in the city center of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Named in honor of 1960 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former president of the African National Congress, Inkosi Albert Luthuli, this facility was inaugurated by former president Nelson Mandela in 1997. Serving as South Africa’s first International Convention Centre, the Durban ICC has been instrumental in attracting international events to Durban. The complex comprises an arena, hotel, convention, and exhibition center.
The 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards took place here on July 18 and notable live performances from Nigerian artistes were Davido and Yemi Alade. This is the only recorded time Afrobeats artists have graced the arena.
Salle Omnisport de Radès – Tunisia
The Sports Hall of Radès (French: Salle Omnisport de Radès), previously named 7 November Hall, is a prominent indoor sporting arena primarily utilized for basketball, situated in Radès, Tunisia. With a seating capacity of 17,000 spectators, the arena spans approximately 2,706 square meters, measuring 82 meters in length and 33 meters in width.