Indianapolis has grown to be one of the top places to visit if you are looking to catch some huge African parties in the USA. This could be attributed to the fact that Africans have migrated to the city in their thousands in the last few years, maybe because of the lower cost of living , or just the mere fact that a lot of immigrants find it better to live in a city with a chill vibe, different from the rugged and fast paced nature of bigger cities. Whatever the case maybe, the city has definitely become a home away from home for millions of African immigrants especially those from the west and the eastern parts of Africa.
If you are planning to visit or move to Indianapolis soon, we have compiled a list of top spots to visit if you want to catch some African parties, food , and events.
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Located on the west-side of Indianapolis, Club Kalakutah and kalakutah restaurant are pretty big names in the entertainment scene here in Indianapolis and they have been around for quite sometime . They can brag about the magnitude of events they have hosted in the past and number of A list artists they have partied at their venue . This list includes Tubaba, Falz, Teni, Rotimi, Reekado banks just to mention a few. Named After Fela’s Shrine, you can be rest assured Kalakutah always has something going on. The restaurant serves mainly Nigerian styled dishes but you may also find some foreign styled dishes in their menu. The restaurant is open 7 days a week.
Associated DJs
*DJ Delly Jay
*DJ Phlame
*DJ Drey
*DJ Ranye
Pros
-Huge parking space with free parking
-Huge Space with VIP sessions just in-case you wanted to stand out
-Safe and clean environment.
Cons
-Food is heavily Nigerian food so you may need to sort through what you like if you are not Nigerian
As the name suggests, EKO (meaning Lagos) is a Nigerian spot that is famous for hosting huge events and parties . For many years , EKO and Kalakutah were the go to places for the fun seeking Africans. Eko African cuisine as they are called is located on the west side of Indianapolis. Over the years, EKO restaurant and lounge have hosted massive artists like Dbanj, Zlatan Ibile , and Yinka Ayefele just to mention a few. They also serve Nigerian food and pastries . Check out some of their more popular events like Exhibit A
Associated DJs
*DJ Stunt
*DJ XClone
*DJ Smart
*DJ Larry
*DJ Delly Jay
Pros
-Huge parking space for free parking
-Great space inside and outside
-Safe and clean environment
Cons
– Food is mostly Nigerian food.
This is a relatively new spot that came in the scene in 2019. They were a breath of fresh air for promoters who were seeking for more spaces to host their events. Located on Washington street, D Proof restaurant serves a lot of Africans in the Plainfield / Avon/ Camby area of Indianapolis . This spot serves good Nigerian food and are also heavy on Nigerian events and music. This is also a great spot to catch local artists and concerts.
Associated DJs
*DJ Larry
*DJ Stunt
*DJ Xclone
Pros
-Laid back and chill
-Clean and calm environment
-Great hosts, very welcoming due it not being as fast-paced.
-Huge parking space. Parking is free
Cons
-They are pretty new.
-Not as many events as most places.
-Menu is limited to Nigerian food.
05 Arena is neither a club or a lounge. It is an event center that hosts all manners of events . The management of the Arena rents the place out to Individuals and promoters who are hoping to find a space for parties or events. It is hard to tell what to expect at the arena unless you follow some of their promoters on social media. Their events range from wedding ceremonies, college parties, or ball parties . We would definitely recommend this spot if you are an independent promoter looking for a nice space to host your events. Although their is a restaurant attached to the event center, you are allowed to bring in your own catering for your event.
Associated DJs
*DJ Xclone
*DJ Delly Jay
*DJ Larry
Pros
-Very spacious (Seating available, tables and chairs)
-Flexible and customizable
-Music is flexible as it houses different crowds depending on who is renting
-Huge parking lot for free parking
Cons
-Parking lot could be limited as it is shared with a few busy businesses
-Not knowing what to expect only if you follow promoters
-Little or no social media presence
This is a nice lounge located in Greenwood on the south-side of Indiana. Most of the other venues are concentrated around the west-side where many Africans congregate , but the owners of Delicious African cuisine decided that it would be best to go in search of a more diverse crowd on the south side. The south Side of Indianapolis houses very few Nigerians but is home to quite a number of eastern Africans and Southern African. This is a very clean` spot with more of a Liberian vibe, which reflects the culture of it’s owners. The atmosphere is cozy and it is suited for any type of parties, business meetings , and corporate events. This spot is popular for frequently hosts top artists and celebrities in the city of Indianapolis.
Associated DJs
*DJ Smart
*VDJ Wada
*DJ Sleezy
Pros
-Play a wide range of music to satisfy the more diverse nature of their guests
-Huge parking space for free parking
-Flexible space to accommodate all types of events.
-Music is flexible and wide range
Cons
-It is mature and laid back. Therefore if you are looking to find a wild and active crowd, this may not be the place.
-Music is delivered by a playlist mostly.
Negrill was commissioned during the pandemic. It’s design and lay out is beautiful and the painting and graffiti of Important Jamaican Icons and personality on the wall is particularly impressive. It kind of feels as if you are in a museum of Jamaican culture. It’s main aim is to give the Afro-carribean community a place to call home in Indianapolis. They serve Jamaican styled cuisine and drinks.
Associated DJ
*DJ Viruz
Pros
-Sparkling clean (new lounge)
-Free parking
Cons
-Music is heavily Jamaican, just a few Afro-beat and hip-hop songs
-Parking lot is really small
-Serve only Jamaican styled cuisine – Jerk chicken, curry goat, Plantains , ox tail and drinks
Located in Broadripple Indiana – one of the busiest party districts in Indiana, Lava has become very famous for serving Hookah, food , drinks and great all round music . Wednesdays are one of the most popular nights and you would have to call ahead of time to reserve a table or you may not be let in the building let alone find somewhere to sit. Lava has an international vibe and the songs played each night comes from all over the world. The playlist usually includes Hip hop and R&B and also a small dose of Afro beat music.
Associated DJs
*DJ Splash
*Deejay Xclone
Pros
*Hookah available
*Great International crowd
Cons
-Reservation required to avoid standing outside
-Limited parking. Payment required often
Casba has been the number one lounge for reggae listeners here in Indianapolis. Every Sunday, reggae lovers from all over the city troop in their hundreds to Casba to listen to DJ Indiana Jones play. Sadly, DJ Indiana Jones just passed away a few days ago and nobody knows what will happen at the spot after the demise of their iconic DJ. Casba place is religiously followed by Reggae and Ragga fans.
Associated DJs
*DJ Indiana Jones
*DJ Viruz
Cons
-Small Space with only one entrance and exit for guests
-No parking available. Fees may apply
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