Africa Oyé opens its doors this weekend, and festival organisers are delighted to announce the emerging Liverpool talent that will be showcased as part of the Oyé Introduces & Oyé Community programmes at this year’s festival.
Launched in 2015, ‘Oyé Introduces’ sees local artists open the musical programme on both days of the festival, following community performances by cultural organisations from across the city region, giving some of the area’s brightest young talent the chance to share the stage with international stars.
The massive weekend-long cultural gathering remains a cornerstone of the regional summer calendar, drawing music lovers together for a vibrant celebration of heritage.
The Africa Oyé Festival takes place on 20th and 21st June in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.
Main Stage Introductions and Regional Urban Music Spotlights
Liverpool Hip Hop Festival join the Africa Oyé lineup this year on Saturday 20th June, presenting a cypher of emerging young talent, including Janice Myers, Nate, Kayde and Jazz Gittens + friends – all of whom are excited to bring the Oyé spirit to life.
Through their ‘Access All Areas’ project, Liverpool Hip Hop Festival are committed to nurturing young musicians and vocalists, providing hands-on music industry experience and helping develop their skills through professional studio sessions, songwriting camps, mentoring and live performance opportunities.
Liverpool’s rising Rap/Grime star KOJ presents TRiBE feat. KOJ + friends on Sunday 21st June.
Further to his recent collaboration with Africa Oyé and LIMF Academy at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, Oyé are delighted to welcome KOJ back to debut the festival’s main stage, where he will present a unique fusion between the rawness of Grime culture and the eclecticism of UK Rap.
Originally hailing from South Liverpool, KOJ’s versatile and authentic lyrics reflect on his upbringing, he is now developing a strong reputation as the future of UK Rap.
Samba Reggae Rhythms and Collaborative Carnival Site Parades
On Saturday 20th June, Batala Mersey will open the Africa Oyé main stage, with samba reggae drumming rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions.
The dynamic community drumming group promote cultural diversity in their performances, empowering individuals to express themselves through rhythm, movement and joy.
Festival-goers can also look forward to an interactive session where they can dance with Batala in front of the main stage at 3.10 pm.
Positive Impact will then take the opening slot on Sunday 21st June, presenting two Liverpool-born singer-songwriters, Tiara Leigh Ferns and Jemimah Akanu.
They’ll be warming the crowd up for another full day of celebration with original music inspired by R&B, Neo-Soul and Jazz influences.
Africa Oyé are also delighted to welcome Dancing Queens for the very first time alongside returning favourites Katumba, for a special collaborative parade around the festival site on Sunday 21st June.
Dancing Queens are a Liverpool-based collective that empowers black women to move and express themselves through dance.
Based in the African Caribbean Centre and known as the carnival queens of Toxteth, women are not only able to engage in dance but they’re also able to speak openly about their health, encourage each other to attend and support one another.
Katumba are an incredible drumming band that blend contemporary urban rhythms, UK club culture and electrifying carnival traditions of Northeast Brazil.
Bringing together over 100 drummers and performers, Katumba will ignite Africa Oyé with thunderous drums, explosive choreography and irresistible carnival spirit.
Spectators can expect huge beats and infectious energy, as Caribbean carnival meets Brazilian carnival when they join the parade.
Tickets are available now for both days here, allowing attendees to secure their entry ahead of time.
