This week’s Culture Radar guest is Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director of Africa Oyé.
Loved: I went to the launch of the Toxteth: Harlem of Europe – an exhibition at the Victoria Gallery & Museum that runs until 1st August. It was a brilliant showcase of musicians and performers from the 50s and 60s that are so often overlooked. And at Oyé we also just partnered with The Tung Auditorium to put on the fantastic kora player Sophie Lukacs and her band for a free lunchtime concert.
Looking forward to: Liverpool Arab Arts Festival’s Family Day at the Palm House is always a highlight of the summer. And it will be great to see Fields of Éire – Liverpool’s first outdoor Irish music celebration since 2018 – in Newsham Park, a couple of weeks before we head to Sefton Park for our own celebration.
What is coming up for your organisation? The 2026 Africa Oyé festival in Sefton Park on 20th and 21st June is the start of a new era for us as an organisation as it is the first time the event will be ticketed. It’s been a challenging change to navigate but we’re really excited about showcasing international talent such as Patoranking and Fatoumata Diawara this summer as well as putting on an event with the same family and community spirit that Oyé has become famous for.