Every summer, music aficionados flock to the hottest festivals around the world. From Coachella to Lollapalooza, these festivals not only showcase some of the biggest names in the music industry, but also offer a cultural experience unlike any other. One festival that has been gaining serious traction in recent years is the Afropunk Fest in Brooklyn, New York.
The Afropunk Fest, which started as a small gathering in 2005, has since grown into a global phenomenon that celebrates black punk culture and alternative music. The festival has become known for its diverse lineup that features both established and up-and-coming artists across various genres, including punk, hip-hop, soul, and electronic.
This year, the festival took place in Commodore Barry Park over the weekend of August 26th and 27th. Headliners included Solange, the Grammy award-winning artist and sister of Beyoncé, as well as Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Thundercat, SZA, Sampha, and Gary Clark Jr.
What sets Afropunk apart from other music festivals is its focus on community and inclusion. Apart from showcasing great music, the festival offers a platform for black creatives to express themselves through fashion, art, and activism. The festival’s tagline, "No Sexism, No Racism, No Ableism, No Ageism, No Homophobia, No Transphobia," reflects its mission to create a safe and welcoming space for people of color (POC).
In addition to music performances, Afropunk also offers talks, workshops, and panels that explore topics like social justice, mental health, and spirituality. This year’s keynote speaker was political activist Angela Davis, who spoke about social movements and resistance.
One unique aspect of Afropunk is its celebration of black female empowerment. This year, the festival hosted an all-female DJ lineup called Club House Global, which included international DJs from places like Tokyo and London. The festival also featured a performance art piece called “The Black Female Project” that highlighted the experiences of black women.
With its growing popularity, Afropunk Fest is slowly becoming a cultural phenomenon beyond the music industry. It’s a celebration of black culture, creativity, and resistance, and has become a space for young POC to express themselves freely and without judgment. In a time when racial tensions are high and political divides continue to widen, festivals like Afropunk remind us of the power of community and the importance of diversity and inclusion.