8.27.2023
AFROPUNK Brooklyn 2023: Saturday Recap
AFROPUNK Returns to Its Home Borough With an Incredible Opening Day, Highlighted By Performances From Flying Lotus, Vince Staples, Tobe Nwigwe, and Many More
Flying Lotus shuts down the main stage (AFROPUNK / @AJXLV)
THE RECAP:
A celebration of life, music, food, culture, and community, AFROPUNK has been a safe space for Black alternative culture for nearly 20 years. This weekend, the festival returns to its home borough of Brooklyn, but with a twist: AFROPUNK BROOKLYN 2023 is the first edition of the festival at, Greenpoint Terminal Market. On Saturday, AFROPUNK made its mark on the picturesque new location, transforming the waterfront into a “Circus of Soul,” complete with two stages, markets for local vendors, and plenty of incredible views of the skyline. As always, AFROPUNK brought unbeatable vibes, with the city’s freshest fits, and some exceptional performances.
The first day of AFROPUNK Brooklyn was a celebratory affair, headlined by Flying Lotus, who closed the night with cosmic jazz hits from his acclaimed Yasuke album and more. The day featured a hip-hop heavy slate, as the genre continues to celebrate its 50th birthday, featuring performances from stars like Vince Staples and NYC rap icons Beatnuts. Decked out in his signature green garb, Toby Nwigwe brought out EARTHGANG star Olu (aka Johnny Venus). Acclaimed jazz singer Madison McFerrin, R&B riser Durand Bernarr, and many more also graced the AFROPUNK stage, shining as bright as the city lights behind them as the day turned to night. On top of the impressive sets, AFROPUNK celebrated the local Black community, serving hungry fans at AFROPUNK’s Bites ‘N Beats and supporting merchants who sold handmade projects at the Spinthrift Market.
Check out highlight photos from Greenpoint Terminal Market below and stay tuned for more information about forthcoming AFROPUNK events and initiatives.
Check out even more photos from the festival here. Please credit photos as such “(AFROPUNK / photographer)”: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1x7TkbBw9LIohVbcdQBDFUrx4Bh1GEhvv?usp=sharing
See even more highlights on AFROPUNK’s Instagram.
Visit AFROPUNK’s official website: https://afropunk.com/festival/brooklyn/
For all other inquiries, please contact Michelle, Annjie, or Destiny
FLYING LOTUS
Experimental music’s leading figure left the crowd flying high after a vibe-filled set
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @AJXLV)
VINCE STAPLES
One of the most talented voices in rap, Vince Staples performed his most beloved hits with the NYC skyline glistening behind him
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @Fleegriot )
TOBE NWIGWE
The Grammy-nominated rapper brought the star-power, inspiring the crowd with his powerful tracks
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @SALIMGARCIA)
EARTHGANG
The Dreamville duo popped out in Brooklyn for a meet & greet with excited fans
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @FleeGriot)
Olu surprised the AFROPUNK crowd with a surprise appearance during Tobe Nwigwe’s set
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @KUMOSHAI)
DURAND BERNARR
The Ohio-born R&B vocalist stunned with his silky pipes & wide vocal range
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @LESVARGASS )
AMINDI
The genre-bending Los Angeles-born artist brought a melting pot of culture and sounds to Brooklyn
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @KBOOGGY)
INIKO
Brooklyn’s own Iniko shines on The Big Top Stage
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @LESVARGASS)
CLEO REED
The rising star mesmerized the crowd with music from her acclaimed album Root Cause
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @KUMOSHAI)
MOISES
The NYC rock-soul progressive took the crowd back to the ’70s with his impressive guitar skills
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @SANGO_NYC)
SCENES FROM THE EVENT
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @FleeGriot)
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @FleeGriot)
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @LESVARGASS)
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @LESVARGASS)
(Photo credit: AFROPUNK / @SANGO_NYC )
THE BACKGROUND:
About AFROPUNK:
AFROPUNK IS THE MICROPHONE OF THOUGHT AND A LENS OF PERSPECTIVE
AFROPUNK is an integrated media platform and global music festival platform giving voice to the unwritten, unwelcome and unseen. AFROPUNK is redefining the modern multicultural experience through its mission to unleash freedom of expression and to honor the power of individuality while strengthening our community. AFROPUNK creates an anchor for its growing audience of multicultural youth through its annual music festival and other events (in Brooklyn, Miami, Minneapolis, and Oakland) with past events in Paris, London, Atlanta, and Johannesburg), while continually enhancing engagement and promoting conversation through content, commerce, and community.
AFROPUNK is devoted to creating safe spaces for the expression of Black liberation and a Black Future where we love ourselves and each other without preconception. The AFROPUNK tenets serve as a North Star and remind people to check themselves, ego and each other when we enter the shared spaces.
Links:
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