The UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture is back for its amazing 26th year this June and we can’t wait! That’s right, Africa Oye is returning to Sefton Park for a weekend of amazing African music and culture.
Starting out as a series of small gigs across the city centre, Africa Oye is now a fully-fledged festival that attracts thousands of people each year.
With yet another amazing line up, we’ve already started planning the party at Africa Oye 2018.
Africa Oye
When: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June 2018
Where: Sefton Park
Over the years, the festival has hosted artists from across Africa to South America and the Caribbean with the introduction of Salsa, Soca and Reggae – which always proves popular with the festival goers.
For two days, Sefton Park will be filled with the eclectic sounds of live music, alongside DJs, dance workshops, food stalls and a range of traders in the Oye village.
Last year was a true milestone year for the festival and a chance to showcase the finest artists that had graced the Oyé stage over the last 25 years. This year, the organisers are bringing something completely new, showcasing brand new talent that audiences may not be familiar with. Oyé‘s Artistic Director, Paul Duhaney explains:
“It was a special experience to be able to welcome back some familiar faces for our anniversary year but 2018 will allow us to do what we do best and that’s showcase the best undiscovered gems from across the continent and beyond. The applications have been flooding in from some incredible artists and the programme is going to be packed with international talent”.
Funded by Arts Council England & Liverpool City Council, this vibrant celebration has been described as a ‘kaleidoscopic urban festival’ by The Guardian, “a summer extravaganza…vibrant and inspiring” by The Voice and The Anfield Wrap defined it as “a Liverpool institution”.
The Line Up
This year’s line up really is bigger and better than ever with Ghana’s Rocky Dawuni and legendary Beninese group Orchestre Poly-Rythmo among the amazing acts announced.
Also included in the final wave of artists are Guinea-Bissau’s Nifeco Costa, Kasai Masai from DR Congo and Cuba’s Son Yambu, who make a welcome return to the festival after an acclaimed performance in 2013.
Headlining Saturday night is international music star, humanitarian activist and GRAMMY nominee, Rocky Dawuni, who straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an appealing sound that unites generations and cultures.
The legendary Orchestre Poly-Rythmo will also be gracing the stage, as well as Guinea-Bissau/Portuguese musician Nifeco Costa and the brilliant Son Yambu.
Where to Stay for Africa Oye 2018
At Signature Living, we specialise in luxurious and unique group accommodation that is perfect for festival goers. Each of our hotels and suites are completely different, sleeping a large range of people and decorated with pure opulence and fun in mind.
Renowned for providing guests with truly unique experiences, we offer breathtaking surroundings that you really won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for a themed room, a serviced apartment or a luxurious suite, at Signature Living we can cater for everyone’s particular tastes.
Take a look at some of our favourite suites to enjoy during your weekend at Africa Oye.
If you’d like to book any of our rooms for Africa Oye weekend and really make the most of the time with your friends, get in touch with our friendly team today to avoid disappointment.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
