Young artists from Liverpool will kick off the daily musical line-up at the Africa Oyé festival this summer.
On 22nd and 23rd June, thousands will descend on Sefton Park once again for the UK’s biggest celebration of the music and culture of Africa and the Diaspora, with two free days of fantastic music, workshops, DJs, dance, food vendors and a range of stalls and traders.
Launched in 2015, ‘Oyé Introduces’ sees local artists open the musical programme on both days of the festival – following community performances by cultural organisations from across the city region – giving some of the area’s brightest young talent the chance to share the stage with international stars.
Angolan rapper and songwriter Yilly Ruel performs a unique fusion of Hip Hop/Rap and Angolan rhythms, captivating audiences with his exhilarating sound. Based in Liverpool, Yilly has been making waves in the local music scene and achieved a significant milestone as the 3rd winner of the prestigious Open Mic UK 2019 competition held at the iconic O2 Arena in London.
Born and raised in Luanda – the capital of Angola – Yilly’s passion for music blossomed during his formative years. Balancing part-time employment with his dedication to crafting exceptional music, he transformed his home studio into a creative sanctuary, producing music that resonates with the themes of self-love and self-motivation.
Yilly – who will perform on the Saturday of the festival – has recently joined forces with Rax Vibes, a band featuring members with roots from Nigeria and Jamaica.
Fraya Ofoeme is an aspiring artist from Liverpool who has been singing since she was 4 years old. She describes it as her passion – and is determined to make it her future.
The young singer is involved in various events in the city, and is currently on Sound City’s Training and Development Programme.
Fraya, who will open the music programme of the Oyé festival on the Sunday, is currently working on her own original material – embracing her Nigerian and Senegalese heritage.
Already announced for the festival this summer, the creative force of Les Amazones d’Afrique will close proceedings on Saturday 22nd June, whilst Julian Marley, fresh from his Grammy win for Best Reggae Album, tops the bill on Sunday with his band, The Uprising. Def MaMa Def, The Zawose Queens, Fulu Miziki, Florence Adooni, and Super Duty Tough Work were also announced last month.
The Community Acts for 2024 have also been revealed, with MD Productionsopening proceedings on the Saturday and Liverpool Hip Hop Festival presenting a showcase on the Sunday.
This year’s Africa Oyé festival will take place on June 22nd and 23rd 2024, in Liverpool’s Sefton Park from 12:30pm til 9:30pm both days and entrance is free.
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