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
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.
Back on the blog with a quick update on recent business and commercial photography commissions. Working with a housing association, a bike charity, a medical society, a recruitment agency and a dental practice.
A really interesting commission working with Livv Housing documenting a fire and rescue exercise in high-rise residential apartments in Kirkby. These are the people who will literally save your life!
"Had a really great photo shoot with David, punctual, professional and put me at ease straight away. I couldn't have asked for more and the results speak for themselves, excellent pictures, perfect for Spotlight! Will be calling again, thank you."