A steady presence in Brighton’s cultural life

Ebou Touray

If you have spent time at an African Night Fever event over the past twenty years, chances are you have felt the atmosphere before you have noticed the organiser. Ebou Touray has never needed to stand at the front to make something work. His strength has always been in bringing people together and letting the music speak.

The beginnings of African Night Fever

Ebou co-founded African Night Fever in 2003 with David Sijale.It began as a monthly night at the Babylon Lounge in Hove. At that time, there were very few regular platforms in the city dedicated to African and Caribbean music. The idea was simple. Create a space where people could hear great live bands, dance properly, and feel at home.

From club night to cultural organisation

What started as a club night gradually grew into something much bigger. African Night Fever became a Community Interest Company, working with venues such as Brighton Dome, Brighton Open Air Theatre and Ropetackle Arts Centre. Over the years it has brought artists from across Africa and the diaspora to Sussex audiences, while also supporting local performers.

National recognition for years of work

In 2022, African Night Fever joined Arts Council England’s National Portfolio for 2023 to 2026. For those who have watched the journey from the early days, this felt like a well-earned moment. It recognised years of steady work, persistence and belief in what the organisation could offer the city.

Music at the centre of the work

Music is at the heart of everything Ebou does. Highlife, Afrobeat, reggae and other traditions linked to African and Caribbean heritage are not treated as niche or occasional. They are presented as part of Brighton’s living cultural life. Events such as Africa in the Sunshine have brought that spirit into open-air settings, with families, food, dance and a real sense of welcome.

Supporting Brighton and Hove Black History

Alongside African Night Fever, Ebou has also given time and leadership to Brighton and Hove Black History. The group was launched in 2002 by Dr Bert Williams MBE and Sarah Lee to research and share the stories of Black and minority ethnic communities in the city and across Sussex.

As Chair, Ebou has supported oral history projects, school work and public events.

Remembering history through culture

The aim has always been clear. Make sure that Brighton’s history reflects everyone who has helped shape it. That includes recording the voices of elders, highlighting overlooked figures and ensuring that local Black history is visible in public spaces.

In 2023, African Night Fever presented The Seeds of the Transatlantic Slave Trade at Brighton Dome. The event combined music, spoken word and research, exploring how African traditions survived through slavery and influenced modern genres such as blues, jazz and reggae. It was serious in theme but powerful in delivery, showing how music can carry memory as well as joy.

A quiet organiser who brings people together

Those who work with him know that he values collaboration. Artists, historians, schools and venues are all part of the picture. He listens, connects people and makes things happen without fuss.

Brighton and Hove’s cultural landscape is stronger for that steady presence. Through African Night Feverand Brighton and Hove Black History, Ebou Touray has helped ensure that African and Caribbean heritage is not an occasional theme, but a recognised and respected part of the city’s story.

Image courtesy of:

FLORENCE ADOONI