Africa Oyé: Why You'll Return to This Vibrant Festival Every Year
- Caro Sika
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Name it, Africa Oyé has got it!
Africa Oyé 2026 was an extraordinary celebration of African culture, music, and community, ushering in our British Summer, as it took place during the Solstice weekend, on 20th and 21st June.
This year was my first and the festival hit home with its commitment to welcome All. Whether you're a festival novice or a seasoned attendee, Africa Oyé offers something for everyone, ensuring that you’ll want to return time and time again!
A Welcoming Atmosphere
One of the standout features of Africa Oyé is its undeniable warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you step foot into Liverpool, heading to the festival grounds, you'll be embraced by a sense of belonging, welcomed by friendly faces and casual chit-chats with the locals. In my view, Liverpool has got to be one of the friendliest city in the UK, if not the friendliest.
Furthermore, the organisers have dedicated themselves to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background, abilities, or interests. Whether you’re coming alone, with friends, or bringing your family, Africa Oyé promises to be an experience that resonates with everyone. Its programming is diverse, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity. The festival boasts an eclectic line-up of activities that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from music through to workshops, food and drinks and more...
I was particularly impressed by measures implemented by the organisers to cater for maximal accessibility, so that everyone could fully enjoy the festival experience, such as :
Wheelchair Access: All areas of the festival are wheelchair accessible, including stages, restrooms, and dining areas.
ASL Interpreters: Sign language interpreters are present for key events and performances, making the festival accessible to the hearing impaired.
Family-Friendly Activities were also top-notch featuring safe and enjoyable Kid Zones, where children can play and engage in creative activities; as well as interactive family workshops allowing families to bond through art, music, and cultural experiences.
Community Engagement
At the heart of Africa Oyé is clearly a strong commitment to community engagement. Local organisations and artists are provided with a platform to showcase their talents, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. When I asked Africa Oyé's artistic director, Paul Duhaney, what was at the heart of Africa Oyé's, he said" ..it's all about showcasing music that is under-represented in this country and maybe even in the world [..] we look for new and exciting talents to bring to this country and also give these artists a showcase to get on the festival circuit. A lot of the artists that play here go on playing Glastonbury and bigger events". Click below to watch Paul Duhaney's full interview.
Beyond the broad artistic representation of genres, cultures and countries, this commitment was demonstrated to me by a number of media collaborations, such as the one with Ayotunde - AJ, Liverpool-based volunteer Founder of Tigon Media Productions, facilitating Artists Conversational Media Talks across the weekend, powered by Culture City Liverpool. See pics below with phenomenal Grammy Awards Nominee, Fatoumata Diawara (on the left) and the powerful Nana Benz du Togo (on the right), which were interviewed on the last day of the festival.
For more info on Tigon Media Productions and their musical, artistic and community outreach work, check out their Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@lsfhuk-tigonmediaproductions
Why You’ll Keep Returning
With its inclusive atmosphere, diverse programming, and unwavering commitment to accessibility, it's no surprise that festival lovers return year after year. The sense of community, the joy of discovery, and the unforgettable experiences create lasting memories that will have you eagerly anticipating the next Africa Oyé festival.
Don't miss the chance to be part of this incredible celebration next year! Follow Africa Oyé on their social handles and suscribe to their content. Visit https://africaoye.com/ and sign up to their mailing list to get all the latest news!
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