Liverpool Welcomes Africa Oyé 2008, the Largest Celebration of African music and Culture in the U.K.

Africa Oyé 2008 returns to Sefton Park, Liverpool, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008. Africa Oyé is the UK’s largest, free celebration of African music and culture and takes place annually in Liverpool.

This year, Oyé promises many delights including the return of Les Freres Guisse from Senegal, who played to much acclaim at Oyé 03, The Jerry Can Band from Egypt, Massokos from Mozambique, Body Mind and Soul from Malawi and Kenge Kenge from Kenya. Also returning by popular demand are the Odemba OK Jazz All Stars, who are one of the best live acts on the circuit, plus many more to be confirmed.

Beginning in 1992 as a series of small gigs in the city centre, the event went from strength-to-strength, moving to its present Sefton Park home in 2002 to cope with demand. Now in its sixteenth year, Africa Oyé continues to grow. In 2007 the event attracted an audience of over 40,000 people over a five day period and even more are expected to attend Oyé 08.

With too many negative stories of war, AIDS, poverty and famine about, Oyé aims to focus on the incredible range of cultures, foods, musicians and artists who hail from Africa, and promote the continent in a positive way. The festival is also a truly international event that harnesses the spiritof multiculturalism and tolerance. It has played host to artists from nation’s right across Africa, and also programs music from South America and The Caribbean with Salsa, Soca, and Reggae always a popular addition to the festivities.

But Africa Oyé is about more than music. Stalls selling the best food, drink, Arts and Crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond will again be present at the Oyé village and there will also be face painting, bouncy castles, and a mobile climbing wall to keep the kids happy. Oyé 2008 will be recorded by BBC Radio 3 and The Africa Channel (Sky channel 281) for future broadcast in the UK, Africa and The Caribbean.

12:30pm-9:30pm on both days.
Admission: Free

More information at www.africaoye.com