Published on Mon Jul 4, 2022 by David J Colbran
As I always say, Africa Oye is my favourite festival and probably the nearest, being about 15 minutes walk from my home. Slightly delayed, is the 30th anniversary of the festival a few weeks ago.
The festival was launched way back in 1992 as a series of gigs and is now one of biggest events in Liverpool and well known across the world as the UK's largest free celebration of African music and culture. Following a two year break due to the pandemic, the festival finally returned to Sefton Park and featured the usual big stage live music, DJs, dance, workshops, food stalls, traders and more across two days.
Among those performing are Grammy Award-winning Oumou Sangaré, rapper Fuse ODG and reggae musician Eek-A-Mouse. Personally my favorite was singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kizaba. His brand of Afro Congolese electro music really got the party started and the crowd dancing.
I was shooting images for specialist performing arts image agency ArenaPal - check my live music photo archive I have with them via the jump.
And of course don't forget to visit the official Africa Oye site if you haven't already - they often put on gigs at other times of the year. Well worth catching !
Author: David J Colbran
In the last few months, my camera has captured the energy, elegance, and essence of numerous events, from corporate gatherings to public relations campaigns, each presenting its unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s a look at some of my recent projects and how I’ve approached capturing these moments through my lens.
Currently available to take on commissions for events, PR and celebrations at the Grand National meeting in Aintree 3rd to 5th April - get in touch ASAP - it is a very busy time for me and I get booked up quickly
American vibraphonist, record producer and composer Roy Ayers has passed away aged 85 - RIP. I was lucky enough to see him perform three times. I raided the archive for some live images at Womad in 2009
"If you are looking for a creative and reliable event photographer, David is your guy. I commissioned him to travel to London to cover a business event where we were exhibiting and to also capture some staff portraits of the exec management team. His fees were competitive and his attitude totally positive & fun. David is an excellent photographic supplier. I highly recommend his services."