Africa Oyé announces next wave of artists for 2026 festival

Africa Oyé, the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, makes its return to Liverpool on 20th and 21st June this summer.

This comes after a disappointingly dormant year in 2025, due to rising infrastructure costs, changing legislation, and the increasingly difficult challenge of keeping the event free.

The next additions to the festival’s line up has been revealed, with Janet Kay making her Oyé debut in 2026.

Playing the much-loved Liverpool festival this June are a range of artists including: the first Black British female reggae artist to have a number one in the UK; a feminist trio from Togo with a transcendent live show; and an Afrofuturist singer-songwriter.

Janet Kay, Nana Benz Du Togo, and Kizaba join the three artists already announced for Africa Oyé ’26 – eco-punks Fulu Miziki, Afrobeats heavyweight Patoranking, and the Afrofuturist chanteuse Fatoumata Diawara.

Best known for her hit single ‘Silly Games’, the multi-award-winning artist was featured in the Music Guinness Book of Records as the first Black British born Female Reggae artist to hit the top of the UK Pop Charts.

As a ‘sixties child’, Kay’s love of singing was born from being exposed to the singing greats – especially those from the Tamla Motown stable. She has since gone on to be produced by a host of well-known producers/artists such as the late great Alton Ellis, Jackie Mitto and Sugar Minot.

Also announced as part of Oyé’s Sunday line-up is Nana Benz Du Togo, with the group consisting of 3 formidable feminist voices. Armed with nothing more than their vocals and a vintage Korg keyboard, this powerful ensemble creates a unique blend of voodoo tradition and soul. Their transcendent live shows are described as nothing short of spiritual – a blend of ancestral energy and modern fire.

Afrofuturist singer-songwriter and pioneer of Congolese Electric music, Kizaba, returns to Oyé in 2026 with a full ensemble, after successfully opening the 2022 festival as a solo artist. Returning to 2026’s Africa Oyé is Afrofuturist singer-songwriter and pioneer of Congolese Electric music, Kizaba, after previously opening the 2022 festival. 

The Kizaba live show delivers a truly unique musical experience. Driven by a vibrant and authentic energy, the performance invites audiences on an Afro-futuristic journey – a tribute to ancestral heritage reimagined through modern sounds. 

Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director Africa Oyé:

“We’re really excited to announce this latest wave of artists for the festival. Janet Kay is a history-making artist with songs that define lovers rock and is the latest in a long list of iconic reggae acts that have played Africa Oyé. Nana Benz Du Togo have been on our radar for a while and I’m delighted we could get them over to Liverpool this summer. And Kizaba needs no introduction for anyone who saw his brilliant solo set in 2022. We had the pleasure of seeing his new live show at a WOMEX showcase last year and knew straight away that we had to have him back.”

To keep the event as affordable as possible, the organisers of the ‘jewel in Liverpool’s festival crown’ are committed to keeping the ticket prices low, with children under 12 receiving free entry to the event (with a paying adult).

This year’s celebration will take place on 20th and 21st June 2026 at Sefton Park and will be the first ticketed Oyé in the festival’s history.

Book your tickets for Africa Oye here.

We spoke to the creator of Africa Oye to find out what’s new for this year, read more here.

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