The 2026 edition of Africa Oyé is bringing together Afrobeats stars, reggae legends, Afro-futurist innovators and internationally acclaimed live acts from across Africa and the diaspora.
Returning to Sefton Park on 20–21 June 2026, the festival continues its long-standing reputation as the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture.
Leading the bill is Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, the Grammy-nominated artist known for blending Wassoulou traditions with contemporary Afro-futurist sounds. A frequent collaborator with Damon Albarn and Africa Express, Diawara has become one of the most respected global voices in modern African music and is expected to deliver one of the weekend’s standout performances.
Joining her is Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweight Patoranking, making his Liverpool debut. Known for huge crossover tracks like “My Woman, My Everything”, “Babylon” and “Abule”, Patoranking brings a mix of Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall that has helped make him one of the genre’s biggest international stars. Festival organisers have described him as a major cultural ambassador for African music.
Reggae and lovers rock fans will also be excited to see Janet Kay make her Africa Oyé debut. Often referred to as the “Queen of Lovers Rock”, Kay made history as the first Black British-born female reggae artist to top the UK charts with her classic hit “Silly Games”. Her appearance adds a strong UK reggae presence to the programme.
One of the most visually striking acts on the lineup is Fulu Miziki, the Kinshasa-based eco-punk collective who build instruments and costumes from recycled materials. Their performances combine experimental Afro-futurist music, performance art and environmental activism, creating a chaotic and highly theatrical live experience unlike anything else on the festival circuit.
The lineup also includes a range of artists showcasing traditional and contemporary sounds from across the continent and wider diaspora. Ghanaian musician King Ayisoba brings his raw, hypnotic fusion of traditional Kologo music and modern rhythms, while Senegalese artist Oumy adds a more soulful contemporary West African sound to the weekend.
Other confirmed acts include:
- Nana Benz Du Togo — a feminist electro-soul trio blending voodoo traditions with electronic rhythms.
- Kizaba — known for his futuristic fusion of Afrobeat, soukous and electronic music.
- Kobo Town — bringing Caribbean calypso and roots influences.
- Ghorwane — legendary pioneers of Mozambican marrabenta music.
- Awale Jant Band — delivering energetic West African dance music.
The festival’s DJ programme is also returning with respected broadcasters and selectors including DJ Edu and Seani B helping soundtrack the weekend beyond the main stage performances.
Beyond the music, Africa Oyé 2026 will again feature the Oyé Village, showcasing food, crafts, workshops, family activities and community arts from across Africa and the Caribbean, maintaining the festival’s wider cultural focus as much more than simply a music event.