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Jules Epalley always had a passion for singing and cooking, and earlier this year he found a way to merge the two.
In February, Epalley founded Africa Jazz Lounge on Albert Street in Regina. He described it as a family-friendly restaurant showcasing African cuisine and jazz music.
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“For me, jazz is a mix of diverse kinds of music. You can find gospel, you can find soul, you can find blues, and that mix represents, for me, how I should mix up all cultures of Africa in my lounge and restaurant,” Epalley said.
“That’s why I call it Africa Jazz Lounge.”
Africa Jazz Lounge opened in February. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
As you walk through the doors of Africa Jazz Lounge, vibrant shades of orange, red, black, and yellow instantly capture your attention. Hand-painted murals on crisp white walls add a storybook feel.
Listen to Jules Epalley on Behind the Headlines:
One mural shows a man strolling down a path lined with palm trees, while another near the bar features a sharply dressed pianist, hands poised on the keys.
Epalley said he wants to host live performances throughout the holiday season. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
The lounge offers Nigerian, Congolese and Cameroonian dishes including suya (a smoked, spiced meat skewer), jollof rice, ndole (a stew made from bitter leaf and peanuts) and grilled fish. It also serves pounded yams, roasted goat, plantains, halal chicken and even barbeque chicken grilled in African spices. Epalley said he plans to integrate more dishes from north and east Africa as well.
Epalley co-owns the restaurant with his wife.
A figurine holding salt and pepper shakers. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
“It’s very unique to have good food, but also a place where you can enjoy the music and maybe practice (singing), because we invite all our clients to come with your friends and maybe practice karaoke,” Epalley said.
The restaurant has karaoke every Friday and has played host to numerous African artists, including Cameroonian singer Annie Anzouer in September.
During the quieter hours before the dinner rush, sunlight streams through a wall of windows, casting a gentle light over plants beside a piano that waits to come to life.
Africa Jazz Lounge hosts karoake every Friday night. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
Epalley said he originally envisioned live performances every Saturday, but as a newer business he’s had to scale back due to the costs.
This isn’t Epalley’s first restaurant. Years ago, he opened a similar restaurant in his home country of Cameroon, where he also worked as a banker. It was called “The Green House,” a barbeque restaurant with an open garden and green area, and a stage for nightly live performances.
“I closed (it) because it was demanding with my career,” he said.
Owner Jules Epalley described his restaurant as an ideal spot for business meetings, family outings and special events. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
“When I moved to Canada, my goal was to be my own boss and also try to showcase what I know. That’s why I decided to open a restaurant here to combine my passions,” he explained.
Epalley was working with a non-profit in Edmonton when he visited Regina for the first time. He originally pictured the Africa Jazz Lounge there, but thought it would stand out much more in Regina.
“I found that we need a space like this where people can meet enjoy the time in a quiet space where they can also sing,” he said.
Epalley said the lounge is in talks to have a live jazz band perform throughout the holiday season.
Epalley said he would like to serve meals from all across the continent. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
He said business is going fairly well so far, but the main difficulty he’s experiencing is just getting the word out.
Epalley is a chef himself, but also has hired a full-time chef and support staff to look after the kitchen when he’s not around. Given the types of food the lounge serves, Epalley admitted it was initially difficult to hire the right people for the job, but he’s since gotten more comfortable.
Although the focus is on African cultural cuisine, the owner said the restaurant welcomes everyone.
“We set up this restaurant to showcase Africa and we would like it to be a home for everyone. That’s why we say ‘Enjoy the pleasure of being at home’,” Epalley said.
“It’s a good place that people might discover, so we invite everyone to come and have fun with us.”
As a relatively new restaurant, Epalley said one of his troubles is getting the word. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)