Sefton Park, Liverpool
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008
12:30pm-9:30pm on both days.
Admission: Free
Africa Oyé is the UK’s largest, free celebration of African music and culture and takes place annually in Liverpool. Beginning in 1992 as a series of small gigs in the city centre, the event went from strength-to-strength, moving to its present Sefton Park home in 2002 to cope with demand. Now in its sixteenth year, Africa Oyé continues to grow. In 2007 the event attracted an audience of over 40,000 people over a five day period and even more are expected to attend Oyé 08.
With too many negative stories of war, AIDS, poverty and famine about, Oyé aims to focus on the incredible range of cultures, foods, musicians and artists who hail from Africa, and promote the continent in a positive way. The festival is also a truly international event that harnesses the spirit of multiculturalism and tolerance. It has played host to artists from nation’s right across Africa, and also programs music from South America and The Caribbean with Salsa, Soca, and Reggae always a popular addition to the festivities.
This year, Oyé promises many delights including the return of Les Freres Guisse from Senegal, who played to much acclaim at Oyé 03, The Jerry Can Band from Egypt, Massokos from Mozambique, Body Mind and Soul from Malawi and Kenge Kenge from Kenya. Also returning by popular demand are the Odemba OK Jazz All Stars, who are one of the best live acts on the circuit, plus many more to be confirmed.
But Africa Oyé is about more than music. Stalls selling the best food, drink, Arts and Crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond will again be present at the Oyé village and there will also be face painting, bouncy castles, and a mobile climbing wall to keep the kids happy. Oyé 2008 will be recorded by BBC Radio 3 and The Africa Channel (Sky channel 281) for future broadcast in the UK, Africa and The Caribbean.
The Africa Channel
Don't miss The Africa Channel now broadcasting on Sky channel 281 for the best in Music, Fashion, Documentaries, Soaps and Culture from all over Africa.The Village at Oyé 2008
At the Oyé village in the Park you can find African-Caribbean, Cajun, Creole, Brazilian, Mediterranean and North African Cuisine. Home Made finest welsh Burgers and Sausages, Indian Curries and BBQ Food. Traditional French Crepes, Ice Creams, Fruit Smoothies and Juices. Fairtrade Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate; Art, Music, Books, Crafts, Fashion and Textiles at News from Nowhere the World Music Specialists. Fair trade Arts and Crafts, Beadwork, Henna Art, Puppet Making, Clothing and Dress accessories. Healing and remedial massage, Face painting, Colour Hair Braiding, Styling and much much more...