Africa Oyé is set to return in 2026. The beloved festival will take place in Liverpool’s Sefton Park. Organizers announced significant changes for the 2026 event. It will be a ticketed festival for the first time. This marks a new era for the UK’s largest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture.
The festival will run on June 20-21, 2026. It follows a planned fallow year in 2025. Rising costs prompted the shift to a paid model. Organizers aim to keep tickets affordable. Early bird tickets start at just £6 for local residents. General admission begins at £11. Children under 12 can attend for free. Group ticket discounts are also available.
Liverpool City Council is offering support for this transition. Organizers will work with community groups. They will distribute free tickets to low-income residents. This ensures wider access for families.
Patoranking Leads the Lineup
Nigerian superstar Patoranking is a headline act. He is known for blending Afrobeats with reggae and dancehall. His music has achieved nearly a billion streams on YouTube. Patoranking’s debut album “God Over Everything” reached number 4 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. He is the first Nigerian artist to hit this chart. His hit songs include “Alubarika” and “My Woman, My Everything”. He draws inspiration from reggae music. Patoranking aims to connect Africa with the Caribbean diaspora. His music reflects a universal message.
Fulu Miziki: Eco-Futuristic Sounds
The Fulu Miziki Collective also joins the festival. This group hails from Kinshasa, Congo. They are an eco-friendly, Afro-futuristic-punk collective. Their name means “music from trash” in Lingala. They create unique instruments and costumes from recycled materials. Their artistic approach is deeply political. They blend electrified tribal beats with dance and urban intervention. Fulu Miziki promotes rethinking our relationship with the planet. They advocate for creative liberation and African dignity. Their music is a powerful statement. It transforms waste into pulsating art.
A Rich History in Liverpool
Africa Oyé began in 1992. It started as a series of small gigs in Liverpool city centre. Kenny Murray founded the festival. Over 33 years, it has grown significantly. It moved to its current home in Sefton Park in 2002. The festival celebrates African and Caribbean music and culture. It aims to highlight the continent’s vibrancy. It counters negative stereotypes of Africa. Africa Oyé is a registered charity.
A New Chapter for an Iconic Festival
This move to a ticketed event is a major change. Organizers cite rising infrastructure costs. Changing legislation also presented challenges. Keeping the event free became increasingly difficult. Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director, stated the change ensures the festival’s future. He hopes the audience will continue their support. The new format allows maintaining and improving the event’s quality. It also ensures a safe and relaxed environment for attendees.
Music and Culture in the City
Africa Oyé is a cornerstone of Liverpool’s cultural calendar. The city boasts a vibrant music scene. Africa Oyé joins other major events in 2026. The festival showcases diverse global music. It also features emerging talent. Community performances, workshops, DJs, world cuisine, and arts and crafts are standard offerings. The festival also includes music from South America and the Caribbean, with Salsa, Soca, and Reggae being popular additions.
Looking Forward to 2026
The Africa Oyé Festival in 2026 promises a vibrant celebration. It bridges cultures and continents. The return of Patoranking and the unique sound of Fulu Miziki are exciting news. This festival is more than just music. It is a cultural exchange. It fosters unity and celebrates heritage. Liverpool eagerly awaits this significant cultural event. The new ticketed model aims to sustain its legacy. It ensures continued impact for years to come.