2009

This is possibly the largest free African Music Festival in the UK and it is now in it's sixteenth year. On Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June, artists from nations right across Africa, and also from South America and The Caribbean will play in Sefton Park for a two day family-friendly celebration of cultural diversity.

Sefton Park is transformed into an Oyé village, where you can try traditional food, buy fairtrade goods, enjoy a hair braiding, watch video and fashion shows, try henna art, puppet making, healing and remedial massage, and most importantly, listen to some of the best up-and-coming African artists around.

The line-up for Saturday features Kasai Masai [DR CONGO], Group Loulou [SENEGAL/GAMBIA], Daby Touri [MAURITANIA], Freddie McGregor plus special guests Chino, Laden & the Millennium Band [JAMAICA]. The Sunday line-up includes Muntu Valdo [CAMEROON], Gordon Masiala & NKA Musica [DR CONGO], Daby Touri [MAURITANIA], Carroll Thompson with full live band [UK], and Kanda Bongo Man [DR CONGO].

Artists are also expected to perform in the week preceding the festival with lunchtime guitar sessions at St Lukes Church, Radio Merseyside sessions and club beats at The Magnet.

Children's Entertainment includes workshops, Beatlife Percussion Troup, bouncy castles, mobile climbing Wwall, face painting, plus a Rodeo for the adults.

The Oye Village will offer food from all over the world, music, arts & crafts, clothes, drums, massages, tea & coffee, smoothies, a beer tent, and more.

The festival runs from 12:30pm until 9:30pm on both days and admission is FREE.

In 2009 the Africa Oyé Festival is expanding to other venues too, playing at sites venues from Sunday 14th June until Friday 19th June, and Oyé will be touring African Artists across the U.K. in 2009. The first tour will be 'Odemba OK Jazz' linked to the 20th Anniversary of the death of the Congolese Music genius Luambo 'Franco' Makiadi and the release of a CD of Franco and TPOK Jazz (his band) greatest tracks, live or recorded which features all the members of Odemba OK Jazz who have played in TPOK Jazz over the last 20 years.

For more information, see the Africa Oyé website.

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