AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN: Celebrating Black Creativity with a Battle of the Bands

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 8/13/2024, 2:37 p.m.
AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, …

AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, from August 23 to 24, 2024. In partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, this inaugural event will showcase an electrifying lineup of performances as AFROPUNK gears up for its momentous 20th anniversary in 2025. This summer, the festival promises an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and Black creativity, inviting attendees to come as they are and join in the festivities.

Taking place in the historic Prospect Park, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN returns to its roots while introducing exciting new elements, including a wrestling showcase as part of AFROPUNK’s “Black People Do” franchise. For the first time ever, the popular Battle of the Bands will unfold on-site, where local bands will compete for a chance to perform on the main stage during the 20th Anniversary AFROPUNK celebration in Brooklyn.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy a diverse culinary experience with some of New York City's finest food vendors, including Toastieland, known for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches; BunNan, offering delicious Haitian-Caribbean cuisine; Dylana’s Sweet Treats, serving mouthwatering desserts; Tosh’s Patties, featuring authentic Jamaican dishes; and Double(s) or Nothin’, Long Island's first Trini food truck by Trini Bites.

Shoppers can explore the SOKO MRKT, supporting local vendors across a variety of categories, including fashion, jewelry, and beauty products. The festival’s sponsor, Toyota, will showcase their all-new 2025 Toyota Camry with the "IT’S A VIBE" lounge, where guests can enjoy music, gaming, and social interactions while cooling off and meeting some of the performing artists.

Highlighting the event will be Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu, who will grace the stage both nights, delivering two unique performances that fans won’t want to miss. The lineup also features R&B sensation Durand Bernarr, Latin Grammy-nominated Brazilian artist Larissa Luz, Soulection co-founder DJ Joe Kay, American singer-songwriter Cautious Clay, and NYC icon DJ Mona.

In true AFROPUNK spirit, the festival will spotlight emerging artists through a collaboration with Big Ass Kids for the “Another 48 Hours” emerging artist playlist series. Selected artists will perform on stage, providing them with a platform to connect with the vibrant AFROPUNK audience.

As the lead-up to AFROPUNK's 20th-anniversary celebration in 2025, this event is poised to be a landmark weekend where innovation thrives, artistry inspires discovery, and social change becomes a shared reality. AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN is sure to offer something for everyone, creating a space to celebrate the richness of Black culture and creativity.

To purchase tickets for the two-day event, visit http://www.afropunk.com