Africa Oyé unveils first acts for 2017

The first three acts have been unveiled for Africa Oyé's 25th anniversary bash in Liverpool's Sefton Park this summer, welcoming back a trio of acts who have previously appeared on the festival's stage.

Afrobeat outfit Jupiter & Okwess revolve around Kinshasa-born Jupiter Bokondji and his mission to "reactivate the forgotten rhythms and melodies of Congo" with the ever-evolving Okwess International collective, who first formed in 1990. Also playing are Mokoomba, a six-piece from Zimbabwe who deal in traditional rhythms with elements of funk, ska and more.

The initial announcement (described as a "festival of headliners") is rounded out by Dizzy Mandjeku & Odemba OK Jazz Allstars, summed up by Africa Oyé as "the original exponents of smooth big band ‘Franco style’ Congolese Rumba."

Africa Oyé takes place between Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June 2017 at Sefton Park, Liverpool. As in previous years, entry to the festival is free of charge.