The final pieces of the puzzle for the 2026 Africa Oyé festival have arrived, with performers from Ghana and Senegal confirmed to round off the main stage programme.
King Ayisoba, known for his raw tribal energy, and the mesmerising Senegalese artist Oumy are the latest additions to a bill that spans the African continent, the Caribbean, and the wider Diaspora.
This year’s festival is topped by two massive global names. Afrofuturist vocalist and frequent Damon Albarn collaborator Fatoumata Diawara brings her Grammy-nominated sound from Mali, while Nigerian superstar Patoranking, a man who has spent ten years at the forefront of the global Afrobeats movement, is also set to headline.
From Lovers Rock to Eco-Punk
The 2026 bill is packed with legends and innovators. Janet Kay, the British-born reggae icon whose 1979 hit Silly Games defined the Lovers Rock genre, joins the lineup alongside Mozambique’s legendary Ghorwane.
Celebrating four decades together, Ghorwane remain a vital force for social commentary through their original musical style.
The schedule also features some of the most visually and sonically unique acts in world music today.
Fulu Miziki, the visually arresting eco-punks from the DR Congo, craft their instruments from recycled materials to deliver a message of peace and ecological awareness.
They are joined by Nana Benz Du Togo, an electrifying five-piece ensemble that fuses ancient voodoo rhythms with modern electro-soul built specifically for the dancefloor.
Additionally, Trinidadian group Kobo Town breathes new life into Calypso by mixing it with an intoxicating blend of dancehall-reggae and heavy brass.
A Vibrant Mix of Sounds and Spirits
West African traditions are well-represented by the Awale Jant Band, whose performances are built on sabar-driven grooves and hypnotic basslines that capture the communal spirit of the region.
Meanwhile, Congolese pioneer Kizaba will demonstrate why he is considered a leader in Afrofuturist-electro, blending ancestral vocals with the vibrant sounds of soukous and Afrobeat.
The energy between live sets will be maintained by two powerhouse names from BBC 1Xtra.
DJ Edu and Seani B, both major figures in the UK’s African and Caribbean music scenes, will be taking to the decks to keep the Sefton Park crowd moving.
Tickets for this year’s celebration of music and culture are available now.
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