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| Africa Oye Returns to Liverpool in 2010 Africa Oye is the UK's largest free celebration of African music and culture and takes place annually in Liverpool. Beginning in 1992 as a series of small gigs in the city centre, the event has gone from strength-to-strength, moving to its present Sefton Park home in 2002 to cope with demand. Now in its nineteenth year, Africa Oye continues to grow. In 2009 the event attracted an audience of over 20, 000 people and even more are expected to attend Oye 2010. With too many negative representations of Africa entrenched in images of war, disease, poverty and famine, Oye seeks to redress the balance and highlight the fantastic range of cultures, foods, music and artists that make this great continent one of the most vibrant and inspiring in the world. The festival is also a truly international event that harnesses the spirit of multiculturalism and tolerance. It has played host to artists from nations right across Africa and also programmes music from South America and The Caribbean with Salsa, Soca and Reggae always a popular addition to the festivities. But Africa Oye is about more than music. Over 40 stalls selling the best food, drink, arts and crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond will again be present at the Oye village along with long time supporter 'News From Nowhere', one of the UK's premier stockists of African music, with all the performing artists and much more on sale, it's a great opportunity to not only take in some of the best roots music around, but take some home with you too. TOURING AND TRADING Africa Oye launched an additional strand of work in April '09 funded by The Arts Council called Oye Touring and Trading. Along with 5 other national organisations [Serious, Punch Records, Joyful Noise, and CMAT] and as part of the Black Routes network, Oye produced two 2 National tours, and a Learning and Participation Project called The Legacy Roots and Music in Liverpool and will do the same in 2010/11. The first two tours were with Jamaican Reggae legend Freddie McGregor in June and Odemba OK Jazz All Stars from DR Congo in September. HEALTH AND PARTICIPATION 2010 is the Year of Health and Well Being in the Liverpool region, and with this in mind [subject to funding enhancement] Oyé hopes to introduce The Health, Learning, and Participation Zone this years at Africa Oyé festival, featuring: 1.African and Caribbean Dance Workshops by Movema 2. Drumming and Percussion Workshops with local community group Beatlife and Glastonbury's Chai Chapel 3. Guitar Workshops 4. Vocal coaching 5. Capoeira Brazilian Martial Arts performances and demonstrations 6. A mobile climbing wall 7. Holistic therapies 8. African massages 9. Info stalls about health and well being These additions for the 2010 festival see Africa Oyé continue to grow, and will take place in a designated area on the festival site with its own PA system, marquee[s], performance area, platforms and risers for public viewing and participation. For updates on tours and Learning & Participation Projects please visit www.africaoye.com/tandt THE OYÉ VILLAGE A host of food and arts & crafts from around the world, children's entertainment featuring bouncy castles, and face painting; there is something for all the family, and returning this year – The Oyé Inn is a welcome addition to the festival. THE OYÉ INN Once again, this year Oyé will feature a state of the art 500 capacity beer tent selling ice cold draught lager, selected spirits and soft drinks all at affordable prices and served in a safe environment. To help to keep Africa Oyé a free celebration of music, culture and community, please buy a pint from the Inn. Please remember – Africa Oyé is a family friendly festival, please drink responsibly. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |