When I think of Afropunk Fest, I think of FREEDOM! This is why every summer, I look forward to this event at Commodore Barry Park. Nope, scratch that, I count down the days until this event, that’s how much it means to me. From the first time I attended Afropunk, it made me feel like I belonged somewhere. It represented a bunch of misfits, who dared to be different, coming together to be great! Does this mean we are misunderstood by society? Of course, it does, but for one weekend, we are among others just like us and no one, not one person will judge you. I swear Afropunk is the best place on the planet for people-watching. It’s epic. The fashion, the food, and the vendors are all out of this world fantastic.
This was the first year Afropunk charged a fee to attend ($45 for a one day pass and $75 for a weekend pass). In the past it’s either been a requested donation or a regular R.S.V.P. I was hesitant at first but soon decided, the performances were worth my money. On Saturday, which was the first day of the festival I caught acts like Sza, Kelis, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Grace Jones. Sza can sing her butt off. Kelis was fun and pregnant. She engaged the audience and has so many hits that I love—of course, she sang the crowd favorite My Milk Shake brings all the boys to the yard. During the intermission, DJ Beverly Bond turned the house down before Lauryn Hill’s performance. Ms. Lauryn Hill’s performance was much anticipated. I spent weeks listening to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, reflecting on how amazing of an artist she is. I love her. However, her performance was straight up mediocre. Her voice is no longer the same, her sound was low, she sat down for most of the performance even though it’s a music festival and no one beyond the first 5 rows could see her. To make matters worse, she sang my favorite song Ex. Factor with a totally different tune and shortly after her sound completely went out. Like completely stopped working. I will credit her for continuing her performance, that’s the testament of a true star. Some people started to boo her and leave, while others, her real fans, wanted her to win so bad, so we stayed there and encouraged her through the rest of her set. She ended her show with Doo Wop (That Thing) and then suddenly dropped the mic and walked off the stage. I was heartbroken. I felt like a child who just found out Santa Claus wasn’t real.
My friends wanted to leave, but I wanted to stay. I’m trying to hold on to as much of summer as I can. I mean, I hate the winter, there’s really nothing to do. They eventually decided to stay and I am so happy they did. We watched Grace Jones perform and were recuperated. All of our hearts were no longer pained (after Lauryn). Grace Jones killed the game, killed Afropunk Fest, and just made everything great again. She’s such a talent, and her songs are amazing. Once, I was able to shake my memories of her from Boomerang the movie, I was really able to appreciate her as a true artist. She’s wild dope!
After Afropunk, we decided to explore Fort Greene. We went to Walters for a small dinner and then Mo’s for drinks and dancing. Overall, it was a great day. Afropunk is so liberating. The perfect end, to an amazing summer.
I love you, Brooklyn!
Travel By Ky 
I saw pics about Afropunk Fest all weekend and I was SO jealous! I may have to make a trip to NY nest year and experience it first hand! You confirmed my worse fears about Lauryn Hill…I love her but refuse to spend money on a ticket at the risk of a bad performance. So I just listen to her old work and long for the good ol’ days but great post. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Sanura, Yeah you must come to Afropunk–I heard someone describe it as a Mecca and thats so true–it really is a mecca for blacks people to come together peacefully and be FREE! Girl, i’ve been listening to Lauryn all day in an attempt to make up for that performance–I still love her though!
Thank you for this! I’m going to the one in Atlanta. I’ve never been before, and didn’t know what to expect.
Anytime. Yes, expect a mecca of beautiful black people who dress really eccentric and funky, but love to have a great time! Its like a black woodstock. Go in open minded and prepare for an amazing adventure!
These pictures are beautiful!! I would love to go to Afropunk but it’s so far away!! I’ve heard some good things about it. Looks and sounds like you had an awesome time!!
Hi Mionna, yes it was awesome. Where are you based? I am positive they will begin to expand soon enough!
looks like a good time! fun pictures. Thanks for sharing!
This is a dream of mine! I’d love to attend Afropunk Fest. That’s so sad about Lauryn 😦 I listen to The Miseducation at least once a month and I always wish life was better for her. She was so talented. I’m glad you had a great time and took such great photos!
This is a dream of mine! I’d love to attend Afropunk Fest. That’s so sad about Lauryn 😦 I listen to The Miseducation at least once a month and I always wish life was better for her. She was so talented. I’m glad you had a great time and took such great photos!
Hey Angel. Hope all is well! Yes its so fun, make the effort to come next year. It was tragic what happened with Lauryn, especially since (we) her supporters want her to win so bad! The Miseducation album is timeless, and maybe thats all we have to hold onto now
Seems like you had a great time. I was trying to make it to the Atlanta one, but they were already sold out of tickets. I am hoping to go next year. I have never seen Lauryn Hill in concert. It must be wonderful.
Hey Aisha, Hope all is well. Sold out already? Yes there’s always next year. I would suggest following them on Social Media from now to be up to date because theres always little events they throw throughout the year! Lauryn was good but I guess I expected GREAT! Talk to you soon!
So jealous. I’m in Canada and this is the first year I’ve heard of this festival. How much were tickets?
$100+ seems worth it. Nice pictures!
Hey!!!! The tickets were $45 for a one day pass and $75 for a two day pass–not much and def. well worth it! Its soo funn and freeing!
I think I replied earlier, but great pictures and I’m jealous!
How much were tickets?
Yes! Thanks Girl. $45 for One-Day Pass and $75 for a Two-Day Pass
So, I heard on the grapevine that because Lauryn Hill was late, APF cut her off promptly, and she continued to sing without audio. As someone who was way the hell back, it was so frustrating to not be able to see AND hear her performance. Grace Jones more than made up for it though… I am still talking about her hula hooping through an entire song! LOL
Hey Audrey-How are you? Forreal? That’s what happened? I figured that–so juicy they don’t play! Yes Grace Jones was everything and more!!! omg! I look at her in a different light now–she’s dope!
Found you on Black Bloggers United and love your post! I’ve been wanting to get to Afropunk Fest every since I first heard about, which was fairly recently, and you further flamed that fire to get my tail there sooner rather than later! 🙂
Hey Girl, you must go–its an experience. Some people say its like the black Woodstock! I agree. I absolutely love Afropunk it’s the highlight of my summer. Follow their instagram or facebook so you can see their updates!