Liverpool’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music has revealed another wave of international artists for 2026, with acts from Mozambique, Trinidad and Senegal joining an already impressive bill.
Africa Oyé returns to Sefton Park on 20–21 June, bringing together global sounds, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities for a weekend festival that has become a staple of the city’s summer calendar.
Legendary Mozambican band celebrate 40 years
Joining the line-up is Ghorwane, one of Mozambique’s most influential groups, marking 40 years of music since forming in 1983. Known for blending traditional rhythms with Afropop and socially conscious lyrics, the Maputo-based collective gained international recognition after being invited by Peter Gabriel to perform at WOMAD in 1990.
Their acclaimed album Majurugenta, released via Real World Records, helped introduce their sound to global audiences, and their 2026 appearance forms part of a world tour celebrating four decades of music.
Caribbean calypso rock favourites set to bring the party
Also confirmed are Kobo Town, whose vibrant sound reinvents calypso through a contemporary mix of reggae, ska and brass-heavy arrangements. Led by Trinidadian-Canadian songwriter Drew Gonsalves, the band’s infectious grooves and sharp storytelling have earned praise from critics and audiences alike.
London-based Senegalese collective fuse tradition with innovation
Completing the trio of new additions are Awale Jant Band, founded by Senegalese soul singer Birame Seck and French musician Thibaut Remy. Their energetic performances combine Afrobeat, Mbalax, reggae and highlife, rooted in Wolof storytelling traditions and rich West African rhythms.
Strong line-up continues to grow
The newly announced artists join previously confirmed names including Fatoumata Diawara, Patoranking and Janet Kay, alongside Fulu Miziki, Kizaba and Nana Benz Du Togo – with more acts still to be revealed.
Artistic Director Paul Duhaney said the latest announcement highlights the festival’s global reach: “We’re delighted with how the line-up for Oyé 2026 is shaping up. Ghorwane are a legendary band in Mozambique and it’ll be a privilege to introduce them to a brand new audience in Liverpool this summer. Kobo Town are a band we’ve wanted to bring over for a long time and will create that real party atmosphere in Sefton Park. And Awale Jant Band are really making waves in the London scene.”
First ticketed Sefton Park edition
Founded in 1992, Africa Oyé has grown from a series of city centre gigs into the UK’s largest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture. The 2026 edition marks the first time the Sefton Park event will be ticketed, following a fallow year in 2025 due to rising infrastructure costs and legislative challenges.
Organisers have committed to keeping prices accessible, with children under 12 able to attend free with a paying adult.
Alongside live performances, festivalgoers can expect DJs, family workshops, food traders, arts and crafts, and community programming across the two-day event.
Tickets are available now via TicketQuarter and the official Africa Oyé website.
