THE SOUND OF MOVEMENT
· Events, Features, Inspiration, Music · AfroPunk, Jorja Smith, Kaytranada, Nao, Princess Nokia, Solange, SZA, ThunderCatby Almaz Messgna
Photography by Jackie Robertson
AfroPunk — the seminal music event celebrating those that have been othered in a place for us, by us, took over Commodore Barry Park for two soul-binding and reaffirming days. For the past 13 years, the Brooklyn based festival has brought hundreds and now thousands of Black people together to openly celebrate their Blackness in an environment that appreciates the gifts and nuances of Black culture. Embracing Black punks, a community further othered because of their skin, is the cornerstone of Afropunk, but this year Afropunk continued their expansion into soul, embracing the young R&B leaders at the forefront of politically influenced music.