Summer In The Global Village: Afro-Punk Fest – Part One

The Afro-Punk Festival recently returned to Brooklyn, after being washed out by Hurricane Irene last year. Once again it proved itself as the center of the “other” black experience, the one not depicted by the mainstream media. As I chatted with attendees, one after the other described a feeling of acceptance, of relief, of finding their kin. 

The free outdoor festival wasn’t categorically punk, and the music slate reflected a wide palette of styles: from the electro pop of Body Language, to the fiery folk of Toshi Reagon, to the art house rock of headliners TV On The Radio. 

What was perhaps most refreshing was the seamlessness of it all. One moment that felt particularly emblematic was when DJ E.Z. Mo Breezy of Grits & Biscuits transitioned from Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to Waka Flocka Flame’s “Hard in Da Paint” for a crowd that was equally enraptured by both songs. 

I got to chat with festival founder Matthew Morgan and when asked what “Afro-Punk” means to him he summed it up with one word, “Freedom”. He went on to say that though last year’s cancellation was really discouraging, he’s got plans to bring the Afro-Punk brand to other US cities, and has big ideas in store for the 10 year anniversary… namely getting folks like Prince and Grace Jones on board.

Other highlights were Alice Smith‘s modern soul, Sinkane’s Afro-pop rock (more on him to come), and Reggie Watts‘ innovative, stream-of-consciousness compositions.

But the queen of the festival was undoubtedly headliner Janelle Monae. One of the hardest working women in the business, Monae entered the stage donning stilts and proceeded to tear the roof off the stage with her fearless vocals and serious dance moves. 

I’ve seen Monae before and she’s never disappointed, but her Afro-Punk set seemed especially inspired. In the lead up to her hit “Cold War” she relayed her feelings to the crowd, saying “There was a time when I felt insecure. I felt very alone because I didn’t see anyone else who looked like me. I dedicate this song to anyone who’s having issues accepting themselves for what they look like, for who they love, the color or texture of their hair, because I know that sometimes life can be a cold, cold war.”