StagedKaosAfrica Oyé
What is Africa Oyé?
Africa Oyé is the UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture. It takes place annually in Liverpool. Beginning in 1992 as a series of small gigs in the city centre, the event has gone from strength to strength, moving to its present Sefton Park home in 2002.
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Why do we need Oyé?
With too many negative representations of Africa entrenched in images of war, disease, poverty and famine, Oyé seeks to redress the balance and highlight the fantastic range of cultures, foods, music and artists that make this great continent so incredibly special.
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A Global Celebration
The festival is also a truly international event that harnesses the spirit of multiculturalism and tolerance. It has played host to artists from nations right across Africa and also programmes music from South America and The Caribbean, including Salsa, Soca and Reggae.
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A Festival of Culture
But Africa Oyé is about more than music. The festival features over 90 stalls selling the best food, drink, arts and crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond are present at the Oyé village.
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Liverpool and Beyond
In addition to the festival, Africa Oyé also programmes and promotes shows across the UK, and have worked with the likes of Julian Marley, Songhoy Blues and Blick Bassy on recent national tours. Their #Oye30 celebrations saw a year-long series of events take place on Merseyside.
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Be Seeing You
The Oyé Village features storytelling, face painting, drumming workshops, arts and crafts and so much more; all delivered by top local and international companies. Kids of all ages will also have the chance to participate in our FREE music, dance, art and craft workshops.
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The OAZ
The Oyé Active Zone is now in its second decade; Liverpool’s leading world dance charity, Movema host performances and workshops for everyone to enjoy, each day of the festival; bringing the best Afro dance styles for the whole family, all for free.
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The Next Generation
The Oyé Introduces programme sees up and coming artists from Liverpool and the North West open each day of the festival, giving young stars the chance to share a festival line-up with international superstars.
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All Hands On Decks
As well as showcasing two main stage DJs, Africa Oyé has two DJ stages at the festival; Trenchtown and Freetown. Expect Afrobeat, reggae, dub, funk, soul, hiphop, house, ska, dub, jazz and more!
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A Festival For All
Oyé strives to make the festival accessible to all. Access services include: on-stage BSL, an Accessible Viewing Platform, a high definition video wall, and a dedicated Access Tent featuring large format brochures and water for guide dogs.
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Keep Oyé Free
The Africa Oyé team are hard at work throughout the year to ensure the festival can stay free for years to come. Oyé is a registered charity and supporters can help keep it free through donations, merchandise and volunteering. To find out more visit www.africaoye.com.
