Afropunk BlKTOPIA : BKLYN
The vibrant streets of Brooklyn came alive as AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN kicked off in true celebratory fashion on August 23rd, marking the start of an unforgettable weekend. In partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, AFROPUNK brought the eclectic energy of the Black diaspora to the heart of Prospect Park, drawing attendees from all walks of life. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as people gathered to celebrate artistry, freedom, and community. From the moment the gates opened, the park buzzed with anticipation. Amari Marshall set the tone for the day, igniting the crowd with her infectious energy and officially kicking off the festivities. One of the standout moments was the “Big Ass Kids” showcase, part of AFROPUNK’s Battle of the Bands. Emerging artists like Student 1, Ose, Lara, Ferrari$moke, Pilot Jonezz, The Arti$t, My Friend Shawn, and Trust Nobody took center stage, each delivering powerful performances that signaled the arrival of future stars.
The day was packed with a thrilling lineup of activities, including intense LPW Pro Wrestling matches. As Vic Vendetta, KB Prime, Raheem Royal, and 5-star Raymond Bright battled out, fans were on their feet. The Women’s title match between Kiki van Gogh and Diamond Virago kept the energy high, followed by fierce bouts between Levin Knight and Jodi Aura, and an epic showdown between JTG and One King. Fashion was as much a part of the celebration as the performances, with attendees showing up in bold, creative, and unapologetic styles. AFROPUNK has long been a haven for individuality, and this year was no exception, with self-expression taking center stage alongside the music and art.
The day was packed with a thrilling lineup of activities, including intense LPW Pro Wrestling matches. As Vic Vendetta, KB Prime, Raheem Royal, and 5-star Raymond Bright battled out, fans were on their feet. The Women’s title match between Kiki van Gogh and Diamond Virago kept the energy high, followed by fierce bouts between Levin Knight and Jodi Aura, and an epic showdown between JTG and One King. Fashion was as much a part of the celebration as the performances, with attendees showing up in bold, creative, and unapologetic styles. AFROPUNK has long been a haven for individuality, and this year was no exception, with self-expression taking center stage alongside the music and art. As the day progressed, fans were treated to a surprise pop-up alternative and queer-friendly ballroom battle in partnership with FightClubNYC. Featuring the iconic House of Juicy Couture, this dynamic showcase was part of AFROPUNK’s “Black People Do” franchise, celebrating the multifaceted expressions of Black identity. The ballroom battle brought high energy and inclusive spirit to the event, drawing large crowds. The live music continued to elevate the atmosphere, with Brazilian powerhouse Larissa Luz delivering a performance that embodied the spirit and power of AFROPUNK. As night fell, the much-anticipated headliner Erykah Badu took the stage. She captivated the crowd with the first night of her Ba-Deux set, delivering soulful classics like “On & On.” Her performance was the perfect way to close out the excitement of day one. The day also featured appearances from special guests, including Alex Tyree (Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard), Rapsody (rapper and emcee), and Mike Q (DJ and musician featured on Beyoncé’s Renaissance).
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As the day progressed, fans were treated to a surprise pop-up alternative and queer-friendly ballroom battle in partnership with FightClubNYC. Featuring the iconic House of Juicy Couture, this dynamic showcase was part of AFROPUNK’s “Black People Do” franchise, celebrating the multifaceted expressions of Black identity. The ballroom battle brought high energy and inclusive spirit to the event, drawing large crowds. The live music continued to elevate the atmosphere, with Brazilian powerhouse Larissa Luz delivering a performance that embodied the spirit and power of AFROPUNK. As night fell, the much-anticipated headliner Erykah Badu took the stage. She captivated the crowd with the first night of her Ba-Deux set, delivering soulful classics like “On & On.” Her performance was the perfect way to close out the excitement of day one. The day also featured appearances from special guests, including Alex Tyree (Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard), Rapsody (rapper and emcee), and Mike Q (DJ and musician featured on Beyoncé’s Renaissance).
Day two on August 24th continued the celebration of Black freedom of expression and community. Host Gitto welcomed attendees with enthusiasm, setting the tone for another dynamic day of performances and experiences. NYC icon and fan-favorite DJ Moma kept the energy high with his diverse musical offerings.
In a nod to AFROPUNK’s origins, six punk bands took center stage, thrilling fans with explosive sets. Phunky Nomads, Winter Wolf, Rebelmatic, Breezy Supreme, Jenny Hates Techno, and Hue brought their punk spirit to life, delivering raw and powerful performances that had the crowd on their feet. One of the day’s highlights was the show-stopping performance by Durand Bernarr, who made a triumphant return to the AFROPUNK main stage. His electrifying set left the audience energized and in awe, blending soulful vocals with unmatched stage presence. The weekend culminated with Erykah Badu’s return for night two of her Ba-Deux set. Once again, she captivated the audience with her timeless sound and expressive energy, providing a perfect finale to the two-day celebration. To the delight of the crowd, Badu brought Durand Bernarr back to the stage to provide backup vocals for her iconic songs, making the moment even more special. The event’s final day also saw special appearances from Tierra Whack (rapper and singer), Thundercat (2x Grammy Award-winning artist), Shameik Moore (voice of Miles Morales, Spider-Man), and Nick Arrington (Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard). As the final notes echoed through Prospect Park, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN left an indelible mark on all who attended, a powerful reminder of the unity, expression, and artistry that define the AFROPUNK experience.
Photo Credit: Rich Knight & AbdoulNasser Mika
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