AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN was an unforgettable two-day event that brought together a vibrant celebration of Black freedom, culture, and community. Held at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, the festival offered a powerful and inspiring weekend filled with exceptional performances, artistic expression, and a dynamic marketplace that highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurship of Black-owned businesses.
The SOKO MRKT was a standout feature, showcasing a diverse lineup of vendors that embodied creativity and innovation in fashion and beauty. Attendees explored a variety of products, from Afrodisiac Worldwide's cultural fashion pieces to the unique handcrafted jewelry by Eloexa Handcrafted Jewelry & Wearable Art. Other vendors such as Black N' Ugly, Siatta Jeans, Blerd, BklynBarSoap Skincare, Aziz Fashions, Eeny Eyewear, and Fried Rice, offered an array of unique goods, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the community. The market was more than just a shopping destination; it was a lively hub where festival-goers connected with local entrepreneurs, learned their stories, and supported Black businesses.
The first day of the festival emphasized the Indie music scene, with artists like The Arti$t and Ferrari Smoke taking the stage to deliver electrifying performances that highlighted their distinctive sounds and styles. These performances captured the essence of AFROPUNK, which is all about breaking boundaries and redefining music and artistry. The day also featured a stunning performance by Brazilian artist Larissa Luz, who brought her Afro-Brazilian flair to the stage. Known for her powerful voice and electrifying presence, Larissa delivered a set that blended samba, reggae, and traditional Brazilian rhythms with a contemporary twist. Her dynamic energy and bold artistry captivated the audience, setting the stage for Erykah Badu to close the night with a mesmerizing performance with an ode to Soul and Hip Hop featuring special guest Rapsody, as the dynamic duo performed the latest single "3:AM".
The energy from the first day carried over into the second, which was equally spectacular. The lineup featured a mix of established stars and emerging talents, offering a diverse range of musical styles. Surprise guest artist Tierra Whack captivated the audience with her unique blend of rap and singing, delivering a performance that was both entertaining and intriguing. Following the line of guests, Thundercat, a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist, amazed the crowd with his exceptional bass playing and genre-blending sound that incorporates funk, jazz, and soul. The weekend concluded with show-stopping performances by Erykah Badu and Durand Bernarr, who closed out the weekend with their powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Badu’s set was a journey through her expansive discography, filled with soulful melodies and profound lyrics that left the audience in awe. Bernarr, known for his incredible vocal range and dynamic performances, ensured that the weekend ended on a high note.
Afropunk BLKTOPIA Brooklyn was truly a weekend to remember at Prospect Park! The festival delivered an unforgettable experience that resonated with everyone in attendance, celebrating the richness of Black culture, uplifting indie artists, and supporting Black entrepreneurship; truly embodying the spirit of BLKTOPIA.
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Aasha Lewis-Redway
*Durand Bernarr photo credit @Bebeclicksz
S/o to the dope sisters of Geneus
This was dope! I’m so mad I missed it this year! But this article definitely made me feel like I was there!!
After reading this, I will be of attendance. Can’t wait !!!!
Geneusrus always gives the best coverage! Such an amazing show right in my hometown.
Beautifully written with thorough coverage, next year l'll detinitely be adding Atropunk to my summer list. Thank you for sharing!