Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube Tiktok Linkedin
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
Menu
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • Weather
  • Contact
  • Registration
  • Login
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Strawberry Field
    • Tres Liverpool
    • Relish Liverpool
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • iStay Liverpool
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Menu
  • WHAT’S ON
    • Across Liverpool
    • M&S Bank Arena
    • Exhibition Centre
    • St George’s Hall
  • THINGS TO DO
    • In Liverpool
    • Strawberry Field
    • Tres Liverpool
    • Relish Liverpool
  • OFFERS
  • STAY
    • ALL HOTELS
    • iStay Liverpool
    • Boudoir Hotel Liverpool
    • Malmaison Liverpool
  • JOBS
  • LATEST
    • News
    • Food & Drink
    • Events
    • People
    • Things To Do
    • Music
    • Business
    • Matt Jacobson
    • Sport
    • Interviews
    • Blogs
    • Reviews
    • Competitions
  • LISTEN
    • RADIO
    • PODCASTS
  • DIRECTORY
Search
Close

Escape The Everyday – Escape to Liverpool

Faces behind the Business – Paul Duhaney – Africa Oyé

April 15, 2021
|
By Editor
  • HOME
  • Faces behind the Business
  • Faces behind the Business – Paul Duhaney – Africa Oyé

SERIES TWO – EDITION NINE

In edition nine of our ‘Faces behind the Business’ series two, we caught up with Paul Duhaney, Artist Director of Africa Oyé; the UK’s largest Festival of African Music & Culture.

Faces behind the Business – Paul Duhaney - Africa Oyé
Image credit Wesley Storey

When did you first get into this industry?

My first experiences in event organising was back in 1992 where I was part of a collective who produced a weekly club night in North London, which was born out of the crackdown on the outdoor rave scene in the UK.

There were about 10 of us who were all DJs and creatives who did everything in-house, from designing and distributing the flyers to booking the weekly guest DJs and performers, to organising the memberships. We started with about 25 people and ended up with about 400 (which was capacity), and was quite successful. Looking back, it was very good grounding for the work I do now.

And in what was perhaps foreshadowing, I also visited Liverpool on my trips up north following Spurs, going to Kirklands and Cream, and fell in love with the city during that time. So much so that we would still end up staying in Liverpool even if Spurs were playing away in Manchester!

How long have you worked at Africa Oyé and what is your job role?

I have worked for Africa Oyé since I moved to the city in autumn 1999, initially beginning as a trainee via an organisation called MST. At that time I was also participating in an Event Management course at Liverpool Community College, eventually securing full time employment with Oyé in 2000.

Over the next decade I was mentored by the now-retired, founder of the festival, Kenny Murray, who helped me learn all aspects of event management, festival delivery and – most importantly – the music of Africa. I continued to work alongside Kenny until I became Artist Director of the organisation in 2013.

What is Africa Oyé’s ethos?

It’s quite simple really – to bring the best live music from Africa and the diaspora to Liverpool for people to enjoy. The festival aims to promote positive images of Africa by programming new and existing musicians each year. We’re fully inclusive and – at present – free to attend, meaning everyone has access to an International music festival for at least one weekend a year.

What’s the best bit of advice you could give to anyone looking at working in your line of work?

I think training is really important, but what I found really beneficial on the event management course I participated in, was working on actual events alongside learning the theory. Aspects like health and safety and all the legislation that comes with putting events on – I found that I learnt more from the experience of planning and delivering events themselves; so get that practical experience while you’re learning where you can.

What do you love most about Liverpool?

As I referred to earlier, I fell in love with the city long before I even moved here. As fate would have it, I met my wife in London in 1998, and she happened to be from Liverpool; my children were both born here too.

Liverpool is a unique city. I love the humour, the creativity, the passion and the warmth. It’s by no means perfect, but the fact that we have people constantly moving from London, the UK and the rest of the world to live, work and study here, is a testament to how much the city has progressed in the 22 years since I moved here.

If you could describe your business in 3 words what would they be?

Progressive – Passionate – Inclusive.

Follow @africaoye or visit www.africaoye.com

Are you a business in the Liverpool City Region and want to feature in our Faces Behind the Business series? Contact us now by emailing hello@explore-liverpool.com or get us on WhatsApp on 07568 532 537.

READ MORE: Faces behind the Business – Alok Nayak – Milap

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print

THE LATEST

Liverpool to land a major transfer coup potentially worth tens of millions of pounds
Liverpool to land a major transfer coup potentially worth tens of millions of pounds
June 24, 2022
Liverpool City Council is set to launch a trailblazing approach to how communities can regenerate…
Liverpool welcomes brand new music experience ‘Outside In Festival’ to the city
June 24, 2022
This summer Liverpool is set to welcome a brand-new music experience to the city, which…
Liverpool ONE to host an array of activities this summer
June 24, 2022
Liverpool ONE are hosting an array of activities this summer fit for the whole family.…
Green Sefton celebrates World Sand Dune Day with free guided dune walks
Green Sefton celebrates World Sand Dune Day with free guided dune walks
June 24, 2022
This Saturday 25 June is World Sand Dune Day, a day celebrated annually by coastal…
Unique giant bass guitar art installation erected by The Beatles Story and Höfner to celebrate Paul McCartney’s 80th year 
June 23, 2022
The Beatles Story, Liverpool’s award-winning attraction, have teamed up with instrument manufacturer Höfner to celebrate…
ODEN & Fatzo heads to Meraki
Liverpool 360º with ODEN & Fatzo heads to Meraki
June 23, 2022
Fever’s series of 360º exclusive clubbing experiences is making its debut in Liverpool on 15th…
Bacino brings modern Italian cuisine to Liverpool this summer
June 23, 2022
Bacino to open in Flannels this summer, introducing modern Italian cuisine to Liverpool. Bacino will…
BoBo brings a flavour of Spanish summer to the city with Paella Terrace 
June 23, 2022
Liverpool’s only authentic Iberian bar, BoBo is to bring a flavour of Spanish summer to…

WhatsAppenin LIVERPOOL

Receive WhatsApp notifications about the latest big news, events, offers, competitions and much more!

SIGN UP NOW

At Explore Liverpool we are all about bringing you everything the Liverpool City Region has to offer and more!

Useful Links

  • Liverpool Map
  • FAQs Liverpool
Menu
  • Liverpool Map
  • FAQs Liverpool

Stay In The Loop

Stay up to date with all the latest news, articles, events, and offers from across Liverpool!

© 2022 Explore Liverpool

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!