Festival celebrates sounds of Africa; 08 Culture Diary.

Byline: BY VICKY ANDERSON Daily Post Staff

IT'S June already, and one of the annual summer highlights in the city is the Africa Oye festival.

Now in its 16th year, more than 40,000 people are expected to attend the popular music event this year.

Taking place later this month in Sefton Park, the free two-day Africa Oye programme, on June 21 and 22, is the UK's largest free celebration of African music and culture.

Beginning in 1992 as a series of small gigs in the city centre, the event went from strength-to-strength, moving to its present Sefton Park home in 2002 to cope with demand.

Oye aims to focus on the range of cultures, foods, musicians and artists from Africa and promote the continent in a positive way.

It has played host to artists from nations across Africa, and also programs music from South America and the Caribbean with Salsa, Soca, and Reggae always a popular addition to the festivities.

This year, Oye promises a wide range of musical acts, including the return of Les Freres Guisse from Senegal, who played to much acclaim in 2003, 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, renowned as one of the best live acts on the circuit.

Events and projects manager Paul Duhaney said: "It's not just about the music, it's about the ambience.

"Some people come who have never heard African music before. It gives people more perspective of what Africa is about.

"The audience is a mixture of ethnicities, of young and old, all different cultures, ages, sexualities, and you don't get that anywhere else in Liverpool."

Africa Oye runs from 12.30pm to 9.30pm both days. Admission free.

It's not just about the music

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Going from strength to strength - musicians taking part in last year's Africa Oye festival Picture: ANDREW TEEBAY