Oh yay: Africa Oyé 2012 announces first acts

Easily one of the best festivals this city’s ever produced, Africa Oyé celebrates 20 years this year. And boy, are we ready to get irie.

Today they’ve announced the first wave of acts for their 2012 event: Yellowman and the Sagittarius Band head to the main stage from their base in Jamaica – all rather exciting as they’re a) brilliant and b) play blistering sun-tinged reggae.

The Endless Journey, Yaaba Funk, Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga and Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra also appear, joining us from places like Niger and Democratic Republic of Congo. Get a taste of ‘em via the handy YouTube links below.

More announcements are expected over the coming weeks – stay tuned.

As ever, Africa Oyé – 23rd and 24th June in Sefton Park – is free and unticketed, and plans to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Every year we look forward to its all-inclusiveness, unrivalled music and phenomenally good vibes. So phenomenal we just used italics. Summer can’t come quickly enough.