Who and what to look out for at Africa Oyé 2019

Trenchtown by Mark McNulty
MANY of us will be hoping for some sunshine tomorrow as Africa Oye returns for its 27th year.

Back in Sefton Park on 22 and 23 June, the festival is gearing up to bring some of the very best music and culture from Africa along with DJ sets and multi-arts workshops.

But who should we be most excited to see? We asked some of the Oye's board members and team who their recommendations are for this year...

Bobs Blackwell

"Looking forward to Kaos - the kids are amazing and have been working hard for weeks to bring an inspirational, educational, INCLUSIVE performance highlighting Nelson Mandela’s story for a new generation.

"Can’t wait to perform with for Horace ‘Sleepy’ Andy - rasta reggae legend; a full BSL interpreted show to bring his inspirational messages to a new Deaf audience. #OyeBSL

"My one to watch this year is definitely BCUC - spiritual unity and shared consciousness as we journey forward together as ONE!"

Dave McTague

"With such a strong lineup, I found it hard to choose just three acts - I'm really looking forward to seeing Oshun and Jah 9 for the first time, and will be great to catch Moonlight Benjamin again. 

"And, Horace Andy is someone I've hoped would play the Oye stage for years! Sorry, that's four. "

Bec Duggan 

"Moonlight Benjamin, Jah 9 and Oshun... because girl power!"

Stuart Borthwick

"BCUC were amazing at District for the Mandela 8 fundraiser, so I am sure they will be a highlight, with their two drummers and energetic stage show.

"I am also looking forward to Horace Andy and Jah9.

"The former is a legend of reggae with a long back catalogue of legendary recordings, whilst Jah9 represents the new guard in reggae, a confident and supremely talented female performer."

Monica Mwanje

"Jah9 and the dub treatment, Moonlight Benjamin and Gasper Nali."

Richie Vegas

"It seems completely remiss of me to have not seen Horace Andy before, but this year's line up is going to fix that. 

"The essential reggae voice that helped define Massive Attack's dub-influenced sound, Horace has been a voice that has floated through the annals of Jamaican music and right up to the present day.

"From his early beginnings recording for Coxsone Dodd, through to his relocation to Connecticut, then subsequently London in the mid 80s, and along the way helping to galvanise reggae scenes in both  countries, Horace has worked with a huge range of contemporary artists whilst maintaining his critical credentials.

"Not to be missed! I'm also looking forward to BCUC and Carlou D!"

Tim Edwards
Ged Doyle 

"It’s BCUC, Moonlight Benjamin and Garifuna for me ...’

Leila Lachqar 

"Oshun, Jah9 and the Dub Treatment, and Sofiane Saidi and Mazalda."

Shazney Spence 

"Horace Andy is such an excellent choice of headliner for Saturday’s line-up.

"He is a fitting example of musical talent hailing from Jamaica and will undoubtedly create a wonderful evening of celebration on Windrush day with his velvet reggae tones.

"On Saturday afternoon, one-man band Gasper Nal is destined to wow the audience with his electric, unique style of music as he showcases sounds of Malawi.

"Satin Beige will be one to watch as she kicks things off on Saturday with her cello-infused R&B as
part of the regular feature which showcases North West talent: Oye introduces.

"She will no doubt set the tone for what promises to be an incredible celebration of African music and culture."

As well as the international offering of live music on the main stage, festival-goers will also be able to eat and drink their way around the world with a range of food stalls and traders' wares on offer in the Oyé Village.

As well as the international offering of live music on the main stage, festival-goers will be able to eat and drink their way around the world with a range of food stalls and traders.

Africa Oyé festival will take place from 12.30pm until 9.30pm on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 and entrance is free.


For more information visit africaoye.com.

0 comments:

Post a Comment