AFROPUNK-SHAPING UP AS BEST ONE YET!

Get ready, Brooklyn! AFROPUNK Brooklyn 2019 is almost here and Brooklyn Roads is counting down the days to this year’s global celebration of music, culture and art. The two-day fete (Aug. 24 and 25) returns to Commodore Barry Park, bringing more than 48 hours of world-class live music, activities, markets and forums — as well as nonstop beats featuring best-in-class DJs — to the best borough in New York.

The Vibe at Afropunk 2018/ photo by Kyra Kverno

This year’s music lineup, as eclectic as Brooklyn itself, unites some of the industry’s biggest names from multiple genres. Many artists will bring traditional soul, hip-hop and R&B as well as genre-bending pop, experiential rap and fusion world beat to the stages.

This blend of established and experiential music and musicians is AFROPUNK’s signature and might be why the festival has grown from its Brooklyn roots, branching off to Atlanta, Paris and Johannesburg.

This year, Brooklyn Roads looks forward to listening to top-shelf traditional R&B from powerhouses Jill Scott, a thrice Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and nationally recognized poet, and Leon Bridges, a four-time Grammy nominee recognized globally for his exalted ballads and eloquent voice.

Gary Clark, Jr. at Afropunk 2015 /photo by Kyra Kverno

Speaking of headliners, Gary Clark Jr. never fails to amaze. His fluency with the guitar has led to on-stage collaborations with B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones (to name a few), and with his third studio album, This Land, recently released, expect an outstanding performance at AFROPUNK.

The genre-bending sounds of London-based superstar FKA twigs, as well as Santigold’s brilliant stage show that combines choreography, visuals and costumes set to Reggae and Afro-Caribbean sounds, also top our “must-see” list. We’re equally intrigued by Goldlink’s singular sound, an amalgamation of hip-hop and African music, and the self-described “futuristic soul” of Ravyn Lenae.

The Suffers at Afropunk 2016 / photo by Kyra Kverno

Superlative rapper Danny Brown is expected to attract large crowds with his powerful songs, driven by genuine lyrics of despair and alienation. New rap phenom J.I.D is also one to watch, and if experimental rap describes your vibe, be sure to check out Ho99o9, Scarlxrd, and Death Grips.

Tank and the Bangas/ photo courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

The Suffers, a Texas-based octet, led by powerhouse Kam Franklin, whose voice is all funk, R&B, and soul, is exceptional and exceptionally fun to see. Another large stage presence is Tank and the Bangas, who are quickly becoming a festival favorite with their Nola-inspired music.

AFROPUNK looks to sate every festival goer’s musical taste — as well as their appetites. Bites & Beats will serve up a large selection of food and beverages from food trucks, vendors and pop-up restaurants. And when it’s time to move away from the stages and bellies are full, be sure to browse Spinthrift Market, showcasing one-of-kind goods crafted by the NYC maker community.

On Aug. 23, AFROPUNK Solution Sessions returns to Brooklyn. “This series is an opportunity to uncover actionable answers to real-world questions, representing a multitude of viewpoints from racially and socially diverse communities,” say festival promoters. Roulette Intermedium will host the event. And making its debut at AFROPUNK Brooklyn this year is Grapevine TV, a panel-style online talk show. Brooklyn Roads applauds the festival for its continued efforts to “facilitate conversation of AFROPUNK’s ethos of resistance and cultural agitation.”