Liverpool’s Sefton Park is the place to be this summer for a major 2026 line-up led by Fatoumata Diawara, Patoranking and Janet Kay.
The UK’s largest celebration of African and Caribbean music enters a new chapter this summer. But for the first time in its history, the event will be ticketed, following a fallow year in 2025 due to rising costs.
Singer and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara headlines the Sunday night. It marks the Malian star’s return to Oyé, 15 years after her first UK festival appearance at the event. Known for blending Wassoulou traditions with jazz, funk and folk, Diawara’s live shows are both political and celebratory.
UK lovers rock reggae icon Janet Kay also joins the bill for her Oyé debut. She’s best known for the enduringly popular and still credible hit ‘Silly Games.’
Further acts set to appear include Nana Benz Du Togo, Fulu Miziki, Kizaba and Mozambican legends Ghorwane, marking 40 years as a band.
Oyé Village running alonsgide has over 100 stalls spanning food, crafts and fashion. A new Family Zone will offer activities for all ages.
Founded in 1992, Africa Oyé has grown into one of the country’s most important cultural festivals, drawing more than 80,000 people in recent editions. Organisers say the move to ticketing will keep the event sustainable while maintaining accessibility, with low prices and free entry for under-12s.
More information. See the Africa Oye website. Dates are 20 and 21 June.
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