Afropunk Fest Celebrates Musical Diversity

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A diverse audience of about 30,000 people, most dressed in eccentric, vibrant colors and prints – some with tattoos and body piercings – fist-pumped, danced and sang at the eighth annual Afropunk Fest in Commodore Barry Park. The festival, which celebrates punk and other genres of music performed by African-American artists, featured performers including New Orleans-based bounce artist Big Freedia, NYC-bred rapper, poet and performance artist Mykki Blanco, and hip-hop performers Danny Brown, Jean Grae and Chuck D.

Besides listening to music, some intrepid attendees tested their endurance on a rock-climbing wall. Other visitors bought DIY clothes, jewelry, crafts and home decor at the festival’s Spin Thrift Market, presented by the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts. Still others picnicked on the grass with friends, enjoying food and drink provided at the park.

“We describe Afropunk as a free space for African Americans — and anyone else who wants to come onto that space — to just be who they are, and not being defined by monolithic definition of what, sort of, the outside culture puts on us as African American people,” festival organizer Jocelyn Cooper told Here & Now. “So if you like metal, if you like hip-hop, if you like emo, if you’re into body modification or tattoos, it’s a space to be yourself.”

Chandra Ramey of Ridgewood, who stood to the side of the stage where Meatloaf Muzik was performing on Sunday afternoon, said she was anticipating Big Freedia’s set later in the day. “It’s open and free,” Ramey said of the musical event.

Chris Rose of Catskill, N.Y. who drove to Brooklyn for the weekend with his friend Crystal Brandow, said he had never been to the festival before, but was excited to see Mykki Blanco and hip-hop duo Dead Prez perform.

“I love it,” Rose said. “I want the world to look like this always. It’s an ethnic explosion, a mixture of cultures. There are incredibly beautiful people here.”