AFROPUNK started with a documentary in 2003 that galvanized a generation of disenfranchised multicultural Punk music enthusiasts and Hardcore Kids that didn’t see themselves represented in any meaningful way in the dialogue of pop culture or the underground music scene. The first AFROPUNK FEST was in 2005 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. In the decade since the first festival, AFROPUNK has expanded to include an activist and artistic collective with events from Bonnaroo to Paris. This year’s festival was held in Fort Greene on a perfect weekend at Commodore Barry Park.
The musical lineup was meticulously curated by festival founders Matthew Morgan and James Spooner. Performers included Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Danny Brown, Lenny Kravitz, DJ Beverly Bond, and the incomparable Grace Jones.
Grace Jones, model, actor, musician, fashion icon, is an inspiration for the AFROPUNK movement. At 67, Ms. Jones was given the honor of headlining the first AFROPUNK Fancy Dress Ball on Friday and closing the first night of the festival on Saturday. Her dynamic performance featured pole-dancers and island whining during the premiere of her dance hall intsa-classic “Shenanigans”. Grace Jones blazed through an energetic set of her career highs with multiple costume changes that her nearly nude opening costume made seamless. She connected with the audience of thousands with her breezy banter and took us to church as her body paint glowed in the moonlight.
Lauryn Hill’s set was scheduled right before Grace Jones performed. Ms. Hill’s set started out strong with her sitting center stage, an acoustic guitar on her lap and dressed in a white floor-length coat singing Nina Simone cover songs. Her distinctive ethereal vocal style mesmerized the crowd. Just when she set was reaching its apex the sound cut out. Lauryn’s band tried valiantly to carry on accompanied by chants of “Let Lauryn Sing” but it was not to be eventually she just waved goodbye after a crowd sing-along of “The Doo Wop Song”.
A visibly pregnant Kelis performed earlier in the day with the sun still shinning bright. Kelis was celebrated her 36th birthday on stage. She thanked the crowd profusely as fans passed her hand made gifts. She wore a flowing Magenta gown and sung her Hits “Accappella” and “MilkShake”. She looked gorgeous in full mother-to-be glow.
With 3 stages, dozens of Artisan vendors, and local food trunks the AFROPUNK Fest has a week’s worth of activities to offer over 3 days. The AFROPUNK movement is about giving exposure to new and innovative artists. “Must See Before They’re Huge” acts performing this year included Soul Crooner Curtis Harding, neo-soul duo Lion Babe, Kendrick Lamar protégé SZA, queer gangster rapper Cakes Da Killa and southern songstress Adia Victoria.
If you missed AFROPUNK FEST 2015 in Brooklyn you can catch it in Atlanta October 3 – 4. The AFROPUNK FEST Atlanta lineup includes D’angelo, Santogold, Mykki Blanco, and Public Enemy. If you miss that one there is always Paris 2016. More information on all things AFROPUNK at www.afropunk.com