We Speak Music

Africa Oyé Festival returns to Sefton Park, Liverpool on 22nd & 23rd June 2024!

Published

2 months ago

June 7, 2024

Don Reed

The UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture will take place at Sefton Park in Liverpool this June with a stellar line-up of live music, DJs, workshops and more.

On 22nd and 23rd June 2024, Africa Oyé will take over one of the region’s most picturesque green spaces in what has become a Liverpool institution since its humble beginnings as a series of city centre gigs in 1992.

Headlining the live music offering this year are Julian Marley – Grammy Award-winning son of Bob – with his band The Uprising, and the creative feminine force of Les Amazones d’Afrique.

Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Lucy Pounder. Growing up as a youth in a musical atmosphere, the singer-songwriter, producer and humanitarian quickly adopted a musical lifestyle and at an early age became a skillful, self-taught musician mastering bass, drums, guitar and keyboards. In 2024 Julian won the Grammy Award for the ‘Best Reggae Album’, with his 2023 record ‘Colors of Royal’, making it the14th Grammy win for the Marley family.

Les Amazones d’Afrique is a creative force formed in Bamako, Mali, in 2014 by three Malian music stars and social change activists, Mamani Kéta, Mariam Doumbia and Oumou Sangaré [who headlined Africa Oyé in 2022]. The collective has since expanded to involve many female artists from across Africa and the diaspora, including Angélique Kidjo, Nneka and rising Malian star Rokia Koné. While their cause, campaigning for gender equality and eradicating ancestral violence, is worthy enough in itself, their musical creative expression is equally powerful.

Also featuring on the Main Stage are, Senegalese electronic duo, Def MaMa Def; Tanzanian folk-fusion pioneers, The Zawose Queens; eco-friendly punks, Fulu Miziki, Ghanaian frafra gospel star, Florence Adooni; Afro-Canadian hip hop outfit, Super Duty Tough Work; Congolese rumba royalty, Nyboma; Haitian multilingual poet and MC, Vox Sambou; and West African griot, Batch Gueye.

In addition, young artists from Liverpool will kick off the daily live entertainment as part of Oyé’s ‘Introduces’ and ‘Community’ programmes. Launched in 2015, ‘Oyé Introduces’ sees local artists open the musical programme on both days of the festival – following community performances by cultural organisations from across the city region – giving some of the area’s brightest young talent the chance to share the stage with international stars.

Angolan rapper and songwriter Yilly Ruel and his band Rax Vibes performs a unique fusion of Hip Hop/Rap and Angolan rhythms, captivating audiences with his exhilarating sound, whilst Fraya Ofoeme is an aspiring singer-songwriter who has been singing since she was 4 years old.

For full line up and full details visit- www.africaoye.com

We Speak R&B

Ol’ June’s ‘ALONE’: A Sensual Masterpiece Set to Ignite the Soul!

Published

11 hours ago

July 26, 2024

EWC

In a world where music often serves as the backdrop to our most intimate moments, Ol’ June‘s latest single, “ALONE,” emerges as a beacon of sensuality and emotion. Known for his previous hits like “Violets,” “Cruisin,” “Perfect Recipe,” and the poignant “I Tried,” Ol’ June has consistently delivered soulful and evocative performances. His collaboration with Blakk North on “Everywhere” further showcased his ability to blend spiritual depth with his signature vintage vocals. However, with “ALONE,” Ol’ June ascends to new heights, crafting a song that promises to ignite passion in couples’ bedrooms everywhere.

From the moment “ALONE” begins, it’s clear that this track is something special. The subtle beat and intricate music arrangement, meticulously produced and mixed by Miami-based producer Gino Black, create a soundscape that is both euphoric and immersive. The lush guitar accompaniment by Trent Becknell, complemented by additional chords from Antione Franklin, provides a rich, textured backdrop that perfectly frames Ol’ June‘s heartfelt vocals.

Ol’ June‘s vocal delivery on “ALONE” is nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice, warm and sincere, expresses a deep yearning and devotion that seeps into the listener’s soul. There is a raw, unfiltered honesty in his performance that makes the song feel intensely personal and relatable. As he croons about love and longing, one can’t help but be drawn into the emotional tapestry he weaves.

The production quality of “ALONE” is superb, a testament to the collaborative genius of Ol’ June and Gino Black. The mix is exquisite, with each element of the track carefully balanced to enhance the overall listening experience. The result is a song that delights the ears and resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note fades.

Live performances across the Midwest have already shown that Ol’ June has a profound ability to captivate audiences, and “ALONE” is poised to further solidify his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary R&B and soul. His plans to expand his shows to other regions will undoubtedly bring this evocative track to an even broader audience, allowing more listeners to experience the magic of “ALONE” in a live setting.

In “ALONE,” Ol’ June has created a timeless piece that blends sensuality with sincerity, passion with purity. It’s a song that not only showcases his vocal prowess and artistic vision but also serves as a testament to his growth and evolution as an artist. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, “ALONE” is a track that will leave you yearning for more of Ol’ June‘s soul-stirring music.

“ALONE” is available on all music streaming platforms!