It is a testament to the ever-growing popularity of African music in the UK that Africa Oyé is celebrating its 16th birthday as the largest, free African music festival in the country.

A Celebration of African Music and Culture

It is a testament to the ever-growing popularity of African music in the UK that a festival set up in 1992 as a series of small gigs in an English city centre is now celebrating its 16th birthday as the largest, free African music festival in the country.

Africa Oyé 2008 will take place this summer in Sefton Park, Liverpool, with the aim of surpassing its attendance record of 40,000 that it set last year. In a city that is awash with events celebrating diversity due to its title of Capital of Culture for 2008, the real gemstone in Liverpool’s crown is this fantastic festival which just keeps growing from strength to strength.

Looking to bring a more positive image to Africa, away from the negative stories of war, AIDS and poverty that saturate the media, Oyé aims to focus on the incredible range of cultures, foods, musicians and artists who all hail from the continent and challenge the negative perceptions that are so often apparent in the West.

Salsa, Soca and Reggae

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 programs music from South America and The Caribbean with Salsa, Soca, and Reggae always acting as a popular addition to the festivities.

This year, Oyé promises many delights including the return of Les Frères Guisse from Senegal, who played to much acclaim at Oyé 03, The Jerry Can Band from Egypt, Massokos from Mozambique, Body Mind and Soul from Malawi and Kenge Kenge from Kenya. Also returning by popular demand are the Odemba OK Jazz All Stars, along with many more to be confirmed.

One of the performers this year, Feliciano dos Santos – leader of Mozambiquan band Massukos – is the African winner of the 2008 Goldman award. Often referred to as the Nobel Prize for the environment, the Goldman award is the world's largest environmental prize for grassroots activists. The award is in recognition of Santos' leading role in campaigning for better public health in Mozambique. Music and the band Massukos have played a key part in Santos' initiatives.

Music for a Greater Good

It is the concept of using music for a greater good that has allowed Africa Oyé to become the staple in the Liverpool arts calendar that it is today.

This year the festival will be able to send its positive message wider than ever before as it is to be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and recorded on The Africa Channel (Sky Channel 281) for airing in the UK, the Caribbean and Africa itself.

But Africa Oyé is about more than music. Stalls selling the best food, drink, Arts and Crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond will again be present at the Oyé village and there will also be face painting, bouncy castles, and a mobile climbing wall to keep the kids happy.

With yet another stellar line-up, great activities for all the family and an important message that the world needs to hear, Africa Oye 2008 promises to be one of the major highlights in the festival calendar this year.

Visit Africa Oyé 2008 - A celebration of African music and culture at Sefton Park, Liverpool Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008 12:30pm-9:30pm on both days. Admission: Free

For more information: http://www.africaoye.com