Music Festival: Africa Oye

Africa Oye festival took place on the 18/19 of June and was a celebration of African music that was definitely an event to attend as it boasted many activities such as culturally diverse stalls selling everything from clothes to glasses, food trucks with ranging cuisine tastes and a fair ground to top it all off. Not to mention the main event, the live music itself.

A spread of different artists performed over two days and highlights included, Kanda Bongo Man, Oumou Sanagre, Eek-A-Mouse, Santrofi, Kizaba, Fuse ODG, Elida Almeida, Tabanka Djaz and many others. Each artist came from different backgrounds and countries and their music was a beautiful reflection of that.

When I was a kid, my Dad shared his childhood of living in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) through music by playing me some of the best hits of Kanda Bongo man who’s songs influenced my music taste (mainly his songs Yolanda, Bolobi and Kwassa, Kwassa) and made me appreciate the types of instruments and music that the continent of Africa has to offer.

Coming from Portugal I really I enjoyed the live music thoroughly. Especially when a band from Cabo Verde came on because they were singing and speaking in Portuguese which really allowed me to connect to their music and me feel as though I was a part of something really cool.

Another mention about this festival was that it was such a great atmosphere, families and friends on picnic blankets eating delicious food and loving the live music that was also very interactive if you were standing down at the front right next to the stage as dancers got you moving with them and singers asking how you were doing and any song requests.

It was also really accessible to everybody as well because the tickets were free and it accommodated all needs for disabled people or people who might need some help which is a must for any festival as it allows everyone to enjoy something rather than a particular demographic.

In conclusion, Africa Oye was an opportunity to broaden your taste in music and to celebrate and enjoy these particular ranges of music that I guarantee are worth a listen to. I’m definitely going to be there next year and I highly suggest you attend too!