'Nothing like this existed 20 years ago' - Inside Glasgow's budding Afrobeat scene

In the heart of Scotland’s biggest city, a growing wave of Afrobeat parties is reshaping nightlife.

The 142B Lounge on St Vincent Street is currently Glasgow’s only Black-owned nightclub, offering a vibrant and authentic space for Afro Glaswegians to enjoy the best of African music.

As Afrobeat and Amapiano rise in mainstream popularity, the venue has quickly become the go-to spot for fans of artists like Burna Boy, Tyla, Wizkid, and Davido.

The growth of Glasgow’s diaspora community has led to the creation of a niche market for partygoers seeking an environment that celebrates Black and diasporic traditions through music, dance, and DJing.

Young entrepreneurs like Kimani Ndungu, the proprietor of 142B Lounge, have tapped into this demand and helped carve out a scene where heritage thrives.

“Twenty years ago, nothing like this existed,” Ndungu told STV News.

“The growth of our community came with the need for services like fun-filled, high-energy parties, and we saw the need to bring that to the city.”

The party starts at 11 pm and reaches its peak around 3am, with a jam-packed dance floor filled with people from all over the African continent, each vying to show off their best dance moves to their favourite songs.

“The creativity coming out of Africa is incredible. It’s always been there, but it just hasn’t been marketed well,” Ndungu said.

Clubs are catering to fans of Afrobeat, Amapiano and Dancehall music STV News

“We’re fortunate to have had an early taste. When we play songs that were big in Africa 15 years ago, they’re still relevant here, and we get to relive those moments.”

142B Lounge has set the stage for other African promoters and creatives to host their own events. One such promoter is Mardoche Kitenge, who runs the popular POV parties.

Catering to Glasgow’s Gen Z demographic, Kitenge organizes club events across the UK, particularly in Birmingham and London, but is now focusing on Glasgow, having successfully hosted two sold-out events.

Clubbers who previously travelled to Manchester and London for nights are now flocking to parties in the city STV News

“The concept of POV is to bridge the gap between African and Caribbean events in Glasgow and those that happen down south,” said Kitenge.

“Many Afro Glaswegians travel to places like Manchester and London for a proper night out, so it’s time we bring that experience to Glasgow.”

For partygoers, the rise of Afro-inspired nightlife in the city is a welcome change.

“I used to go to South Africa to vibe to Amapiano, but now I can hear it in a local club in Glasgow,” said one attendee.

Another added: “Most clubs in Scotland don’t play African music, so you often feel segregated on a night out. Now, you can go out with friends and have a great time.”