Africa Oyé has announced the first two international acts scheduled to perform at the 2026 festival. The event will return as a ticketed festival in Liverpool’s Sefton Park on June 20–21.
Nigerian artist Patoranking will make his debut performance in Liverpool. Known as a prominent figure in the African music industry and an Afrobeats ambassador, Patoranking blends Afrobeats with reggae and dancehall influences. He gained international recognition with the 2016 single “My Woman My Everything” and has since founded the label Amari Musiq. His discography includes tracks such as “Babylon,” “Abule,” and “Kolo Kolo,” featuring collaborations with artists like Major Lazer, Wizkid, and Davido. Patoranking’s music has garnered nearly one billion views on YouTube and he is a recipient of the MTV Africa Music Awards, as well as being featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list in 2020.
Fulu Miziki will also perform at the festival. Their appearance follows a cancellation in 2024 due to power cuts at Manchester Airport. The Kinshasa-based collective’s name translates to “music from garbage,” reflecting their practice of constructing instruments, costumes, and masks from discarded materials. Their performances combine an experimental, eco-conscious approach with a pan-African message promoting artistic freedom, peace, and environmental awareness.
Africa Oyé began in 1992 as a series of city-center gigs in Liverpool. The event has evolved through various venues, including Birkenhead Park, Princes Park, and Concert Square, before settling in Sefton Park in 2002. It is recognized as the UK’s largest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture.
Due to rising infrastructure costs, legislative changes, and the challenge of maintaining a free event, the 2026 festival will operate under a low-cost ticketed model. Early bird tickets are available, with frozen prices for residents of the Liverpool City Region. Children under 12 will be admitted free with a paying adult, and group discounts are also available.
The 2026 celebration will feature a diverse range of international live acts, emerging talent, community performances, family-friendly workshops, DJs, world cuisine, arts & crafts, and more. Tickets are currently on sale via TicketQuarter and africaoye.com.
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