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Photo Credit: Getty Images for AFROPUNK
Brooklyn, New York — August 23, 2024 — Day one of AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN kicked off in true celebratory fashion, marking the start of an unforgettable weekend at the heart of Brooklyn.
AFROPUNK, in partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, brought the vibrant and eclectic energy of the Black diaspora to life in Prospect Park, with attendees from all walks of life coming together to celebrate artistry, freedom, and community. From the moment the gates opened, the park was buzzing with excitement as attendees prepared to immerse themselves in the diverse programming and incredible performances of day one.
The day was officially kicked off by Amari Marshall, who welcomed attendees with infectious energy and got the crowd hyped for the festivities ahead.
One of the day’s standout moments was the “Big Ass Kids” showcase as part of AFROPUNK’s Battle of the Bands, where emerging artists took center stage. Student 1, Ose, Lara, Ferrari$moke, Pilot Jonezz, The Arti$t, My Friend Shawn, and Trust Nobody each delivered powerful performances, all future stars in the making.
The action-packed day also featured a thrilling series of LPW Pro Wrestling matches. The crowd was on their feet for the intense bouts between Vic Vendetta, KB Prime, Raheem Royal, and 5star Raymond Bright, followed by the Women’s title match between Kiki van Gogh and Diamond Virago. Wrestling fans were treated to more fierce competition with Levin Knight facing off against Jodi Aura, and an epic showdown between JTG and One King.
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Fashion was of course on high display, with attendees showing up to impress and express themselves through bold, creative, and unapologetic styles. AFROPUNK has long been known as a haven for individuality, and this year’s event continued that legacy, where self-expression took center stage just as much as the performances.
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Just before the night’s performers took to the stage, fans were treated to an exciting pop-up alternative and queer-friendly ballroom battle in partnership with FightClubNYC, featuring the iconic House of Juicy Couture. This dynamic showcase was part of AFROPUNK’s “Black People Do” franchise, which celebrates the multifaceted expressions of Black identity. The ballroom battle brought high energy, drawing crowds and adding to the event’s inclusive spirit.
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The live music continued to elevate the atmosphere as Larissa Luz, the powerhouse from Brazil, dazzled the stage with a performance that embodied the spirit and power of AFROPUNK.
As the day came to a close, the stage lit up for the much-anticipated performance by Erykah Badu, who captivated the crowd with the first night of her Ba-Deux set, with classics like “On & On.” Her soulful presence and iconic voice were the perfect way to wrap up the excitement of day one.
The day also featured special guests including:
- Alex Tyree (Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard)
- Rapsody (Rapper and emcee)
- Mike Q (DJ and Musician, featured on Beyonce’s Renaissance)
Stay tuned for more updates, highlights, and moments from day two of AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN 2024 as the celebration continues into the weekend.
Make sure to follow along for all the action and behind-the-scenes content on AFROPUNK’s official channels: @afropunk on Instagram, X, and Facebook.