Review: Africa Oye Festival 2015
On Saturday 20th June, Africa Oye 2015 returned home to Sefton Park. The two day free festival kicked off at 12:30 on Saturday and Sunday, finishing at 9:30.
Saturday 20th June - Running order
12.30-1pm: Pieces of a Man
1.20-2:35pm: BKO Quintet
2.35pm: Community Performance: Kreative Kaos
2.55-4.10pm: Derito
4.30-5.45pm: Gordon Masiala & NKA Musica
6.05-7.20pm: Sarabi
7.40-9pm: Omar
As the crowds gathered around midday, mother nature taunted the crowd and violently unleashed the rain from the heavens leaving festival goers sodden before the first act even had chance to grace the stage. Neo-Soul band from Manchester Pieces Of A Man completely unfazed by the downpour charismatically rocked up on stage with a cooler than cool vibe, contagious energy and proceeded to deliver generous servings of Soul that got the audience in the mood for the rest of the day. The collective were part of a new feature called Oye introduces which showcases talent from across the North West region.
As if by magic in response to some secret sun dance, the rain cleared as soon as it appeared as Pieces Of A Man sang a collection of tracks from their latest release "Mixtape Vol 2".
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| Pieces Of A Man - Neo Soul band from Manchester Opening act - Day 1 (Oye introduces) After a brief break in both the running order and thankfully the clouds, BKO Quintet took to the stage and sunshine "rained" down both figuratively and literally as the sounds from the heart of Mali were poured out into the gathering crowds. |
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| BKO Quintet in action - Day 1 |
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| BKO Quintet backstage - Day 1
This year's community performance was delivered by the wonderfully talented collective Kreative Kaos whose focus is to develop confidence and social development in children and adults alike. Singing tracks from The Lion King, the youngsters captivated the crowds attention. I doubt that there was a dry eye in Sefton Park, it was a moving and stunning performance.
Derito from Angola was next to perform. With his Afro -Jazz vibe there was no surprise that the crowds were dancing in appreciative response. A talented author, composer, singer and guitarist, Derito wowed the crowds.
The next act to appear on stage was the esteemed Gordon Masiala & NKA Musica, being part of the fourth generation of Congolese musicians in the Diaspora. The energy of the band was unstoppable and they endeared themselves even further with the crowd by inviting a small number of the audience up on stage for a dance off. This was entertaining stuff and they certainly kept the party going as the sun continued to shine it's rays on Sefton Park.
Another impressive act to perform were Kenyan group Sarabi who made their UK debut. The 8-piece's energy was unstoppable and the vocals, choreography and upbeat Kenyan rhythms left the audience transfixed with a spring in their step and a smile on their faces.
"AfroBoss" DJ Edu was the main stage DJ for day 1 and he entertained the crowds with his Afrobeat selection of tracks.
Sunday 21st June - Running order
12.30-1pm: Merki Waters
1.20-1.50pm: Modou Toure & Ramon Goose
1.50pm: Community Performance: Beatlife
2.10-3.25pm: Diabel Cissokho
3.35-4.35pm: Andy Kershaw (1 Hour DJ Set)
4.55-6.10pm: Lindigo
6.30-7.45pm: Cumbia All Stars
8.05-9.15pm: Frankie Paul
Day two started in the same vein as day one with a North West artist performing the opening set as part of Oye introducing.
25 year old Singer / Songwriter / Rapper & producer Merki Waters wowed the crowds with his creative lyricism and smooth vocals. The lyrical content was uplifting and inspirational and the crowd despite small in number loved it. For those who made it their mission to be at the festival from the get-go, they showed their appreciation by throwing a few shapes and getting into the party spirit.
To follow was the West African Blues project in the form of Modou Toure & Ramon Goose the set was wonderfully chilled and perfect for a Sunday.
In perfect response, the community performance was delivered by the fantastic Beatlife Liverpool. If the rhythm hadn't already got ya, there was no escaping it by the time Beatlife had performed. A wonderful mix of Afro-Brazilian and Cuban beats filtered through the warm Sunday air.
Sengalese musician Diabel Cissokho was next in line to bless the ears of the audience. Playing a number of traditional instruments, the musician performed an uplifting set which was a hit with the crowd.
Andy Kershaw performed a one hour DJ set to the delighted crowd with his extensive selection of world music tracks.
Also spinning tunes throughout the day was Esa Williams
The rest of Sunday's programme included Lindigo who despite losing all of their instruments following their flight managed to entertain the audience with an enjoyable performance of upbeat energising rhythms.
Cumbia All Stars were the penultimate act who engaged the crowds with delirious melodies and uptempo beats.
Jamaica's own Frankie Paul bought things to a close with his fantastic set comprising Dancehall and Reggae tracks.
A fabulous new addition to the festival this year were the provision of signers who interpreted each performance enthusiastically for the deaf community. What a wonderful feature and example of inclusion and recognition that all are entitled to enjoy the festival.
Africa Oye is an established festival which is
now in it's 23rd year. It was built on a foundation of love, inclusion, diversity and has these themes running deeply through it's veins. The ethos of the organisation is one of equality and it aims to educate the masses about the culture and music of Africa and the Caribbean. The atmosphere throughout the two days was never hostile. Instead a feeling of happiness and a mentality of "live and let live" permeated the air as though the music emitted some supernatural, vibrant yet calming energy.
The excitement across the fields of the Sefton Park was palpable. This phenomenon called Africa Oye unites people year on year and the 2015 festival was no exception. The music although probably unfamiliar to the majority of the audience invades their consciousness like an old friend. The age of the audience is diverse with both young and old enjoying the festival. It crosses age groups and barriers no longer exist. This is a unique selling point of the festival and the fact that it is free after all of these years is phenomenal.
Paul Duhaney - artistic director who has been part of the Oye family for the past 16 years continues to credit the festivals founder Kenny Murray. Paul has been in the role of artistic director for two years now and is continuing the legacy of it's founder in excellent fashion.
A combination of amazingly talented artists, an array of stallholders selling an extensive range of food and clothing, Africa Oye has got the balance perfectly right thus creating a fun and enjoyable environment for its punters, both new and loyal.
Reputed as being the UK's biggest live festival of African music and culture, Africa Oye has a special place in our hearts and long may that continue. It is astounding to think that it is free and relies on donations and Arts Council funding.
In an attempt to keep Africa Oye free, you can visit the merchandise store here
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Visit the Website
Until next year - Listen to Africa - Oye
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