Published on Mon Jul 1, 2019 by David J Colbran
Africa Oye is the UK's largest free African music festival and it just keeps getting better and better. It is an Oye Family now - a solid crew of management and trustees and an audience that knows how to party ! The committment to local traders and community groups is second to none and it shines a beacon against corporate sponsorship and heavy handed security. This year was the 27th annual Africa Oye festival - amazing !
The sun came out on Saturday, as did the crowds - really busy field. Sunday was a bit more hit and miss with the weather but still great fun and great music.
Personally, it's my favourite as well - brilliant world music to my doorstep.
I've been covering the event now for 14 years, ever since I moved to Liverpool and I supply images of the live acts to specialist agent ArenaPAL, where I have built up quite an extensive archive. Images have been licenced to a wide variety of national and international publications over the years - and fingers crossed this year's collection will do equally well over time.
Anyway on to a small selection of my favourites.
BCUC ; band from Soweto, South Africa ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
CARLOU D ; Senegal Hip Hop, Sufi artist ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
EMILY DUST ; UK DJ ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
GASPER NALI ; Babatoni player from Malawi ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
HORACE ANDY ; a Jamaican roots reggae artist ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
JAH9 & THE DUB TREATMENT ; reggae artist from Jamaica ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
MOONLIGHT BENJAMIN ; band from Haiti ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
OSHUN ; Hip-Hop / Soul duo from the USA ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
WESLI ; Wesley Louissaint, a Haitian Canadian musician ; at the Africa Oye Festival 2019, Liverpool, UK ; Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2019 ; Credit: David J Colbran
Author: David J Colbran
Another busy couple of weeks on commission with repeat and regular clients photographing conferences. This time multi-day events in Manchester and London. Including evening drinks receptions and President's Dinners.
Out and about on location for another busy day completing a commercial photography project. This time the end client was Adidas and as one of the main sponsors of the Manchester Marathon 2025, they needed coverage of their brand presence in and around the event.
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.
"David is an amazing Liverpool based photographer. Not just in his professionalism and demeanour, but in his clear understanding of how to create the best images for clients. We worked together on a number of commercial projects and it was quality both in terms of content and prompt delivery of files every time. Absolutely no problem recommending him, he is a true pro at what he does !"