The 5 Best Music & Dance Experiences in Cape Verde

1.Kizomba Group Class – Santa Maria, Cape Verde

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 1 hour · from $25Our pick

Meet the English, Portuguese, and French-speaking instructors at Chill Out bar in Santa Maria for a one-hour Kizomba class. The small group format suits beginners, with simple steps, partner changes, and a relaxed social setting. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Drinks cost extra, and you should bring comfortable shoes and clothes.

“Foi gira, achei muita gente para o espaço. Ficou apertado. O casal de professores foram muito atenciosos”

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2.Walking tour with traditional music in Mindelo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $80Top rated

Walk central Mindelo with guide Marion, visiting markets, Palácio do Povo, Torre de Belém, CNAD, and the marina. The four-hour option adds Cape Verdean food tastings and live music, including a presentation of six traditional rhythms. Smaller groups of up to 20 make this a personal introduction to the city.

“Highly recommended. Marion is very passionate about Cabo Verde and adds colour to all you see. Fascinating to hear about and hear the different styles of music presented with the help an excellent musician. Colin”

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3.Boa Vista Sunset Dinner with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 8 reviews · 4 hours · from $76

You’ll be collected from selected hotels and taken to Morabeza Beach Club on Boa Vista’s west coast for a four-hour beach evening. Expect a Ponche welcome drink, Atlantic sunset, buffet of grilled meats, vegetables, and fish, African drumming, a bonfire, fire eating, and live music. Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes.

“If you only book one excursion on your trip to Boa Vista this has to be it. The location is stunning, the food is delicious, the entertainment was awesome and the staff could not do enough for you. Don’t miss out.”

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4.Boa Vista Sunset Dinner with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $72

Spend about four hours on Boa Vista’s west coast at Morabeza Beach Club. Arrive around 5:30 p.m. for sunset, a Ponche cocktail, a buffet of grilled meats, vegetables, and fresh fish, plus African drumming and live music. Pickup is offered, but the beach setting is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

“The food was very good and the cocktails were excellent. The entertainment was first class....but the sunset alone was worth the visit. We would definitely return...stunning evening!”

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5.Mindelo Cultural: city tour with live music and dance class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 3h 30m · from $141

Meet your guide at Ouril Hotel Mindelo for a walking tour of the marina, old town, market hall, Praça Estrela, and Cesária Évora’s story. Guide Marion leads the sightseeing, while dance instructor Noelisa Santos and a live musician introduce you to six Cape Verdean rhythms. Expect 210 minutes on foot, in English, Portuguese, French, or German.

“Hele leuke informatieve tour met als afsluiting dansles met tekst en uitleg van de herkomst. Eerst een beetje onhandig maar met het geduld van onze dansinstructeur begon het daadwerkelijk nog ergens op te lijken. Heel ongedwongen en toch in de buitenlucht. Echt leuk om te doen.”

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