Spotlight: Paul Duhaney
The Artist Director of Africa Oyé; the UK’s largest Festival of African Music & Culture. Learn about his journey from his London beginnings
Paul and SpyAfrica Oyé
Eat. Sleep. Rave. Repeat.
Paul's first experiences in event organising was back in 1992 (coincidentally when Oyé first began) where he was part of a collective who produced a weekly club night in North London, which was born out of the crackdown on the outdoor rave scene in the UK.
Paul StageAfrica Oyé
COYS
Paul regularly visited Liverpool on his trips up north following Spurs, going to Kirklands and Cream, and fell in love with the city during that time. So much so that he would still end up staying in Liverpool even if Spurs were playing away in Manchester.
Paul Duhaney 02Africa Oyé
Sliding Doors Moment
Paul was just a few days away from moving to the States for a job when he met his now-wife Gina at a house party. In a true sliding doors moment, Paul decided to turn down the job and stay in the UK, moving to Liverpool where Gina lived.
Paul Mundial MontrealAfrica Oyé
Training Wheels
Paul moved to Liverpool in autumn 1999 and began at Africa Oyé as a trainee via an organisation called MST. At that time he was also participating in an Event Management course at Liverpool Community College. He eventually secured full time employment with Oyé in 2000.
Paul Duhaney 05Africa Oyé
Learning From Kenny Murray
Over the next decade Paul was mentored by the now-retired, founder of the festival, Kenny Murray, who helped him learn all aspects of event management, festival delivery and – most importantly – educated Paul on the music of Africa.
Paul and NzeAfrica Oyé
Stepping Up
Paul continued to work alongside Kenny until the founder's retirement in 2013. Working under the Board of Trustees, Paul became Artist Director of the organisation and charity in 2013. His first festival as AD was headlined by Mokoomba (Zimbabwe) and Osibisa (Ghana).
Paul and WesliAfrica Oyé
An Eye For Talent
Paul's programming skills weren't just embraced by Africa Oyé. Paul booked artists at the opening ceremony for the European Capital of Culture in Liverpool (2008), the MOBO Awards in Liverpool (2010), LIMF (2013 & 2014), and the International Festival of Business (2014).
Paul Duhaney 03Africa Oyé
Recognition
As well as Oyé itself being recognised with numerous awards and nominations over the years, Paul himself was named the Merseyside Male Achiever of the Year in 2010; nominated for the same award in 2011; and nominated for Promoter of the Year at the UK Festival Awards in 2017.
Paul KingstonAfrica Oyé
Global Insight
Paul has spoken at a host of world music markets across the globe. His professional engagements have taken him to industry events in South Africa, Uganda, Cape Verde, France, San Andrés, Réunion, Colombia, Portugal, and Jamaica.
Paul Duhaney 03Africa Oyé
Honouring Madiba
Paul is also on the Board of Trustees for the charity Mandela8. The Liverpool organisation was set up to honour the late Nelson Mandela with a memorial in the city that will also function as an outdoor classroom. Mandela8 also runs educational and community projects each year.
Paul and ChrisAfrica Oyé
30 Not Out
Paul oversaw Oyé through it's 30th anniversary year, which saw the organisation's busiest year of events to date as well as a showcase festival for the ages. 2022 also saw Oyé secure another three years of funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Original interview with Explore Liverpool: https://www.explore-liverpool.com/faces-behind-the-business-paul-duhaney-africa-oye/
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