Punk Energy and Soulful Vibes Define Day Two of AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN as Erykah Badu and Durand Bernarr Close the Weekend
Day two of AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN delivered a powerful finale to an unforgettable weekend at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park.
AFROPUNK continued to celebrate Black freedom of expression and community on day two, as fans gathered for another dynamic day of performances, music, and culture in the park.
The day kicked off with an energetic welcome from host Gitto, who set the tone for the rest of the day, getting the crowd excited for the performances and experiences to come. Adding to the fun, NYC icon and fan-favorite DJ Moma took to the stage, complementing the diverse musical offerings throughout the day.
In a nod to AFROPUNK’s origins, six punk bands took center stage, thrilling fans who eagerly anticipated their performances. These bands, typically found on side stages, were given the spotlight as part of AFROPUNK’s commitment to returning to its roots. The lineup featured explosive sets from Phunky Nomads, Winter Wolf, Rebelmatic, Breezy Supreme, Jenny Hates Techno, and Hue. The energy was undeniable, as these underground artists brought their punk spirit to the stage, delivering raw and powerful performances that had the crowd on their feet.
SOKO MRKT made a significant presence with a lineup of vendors showcasing a variety of small businesses, including Afrodisiac Worldwide, Black N’ Ugly, Siatta Jeans, Eloexa Handcrafted Jewelry & Wearable Art, Brooklyn Made., Blerd, BklynBarSoap, Aziz Fashions, Eeny Eyewear, and Fried Rice. This marketplace offered attendees a chance to shop and support indie brands, providing vital opportunities for revenue generation and exposure. The inclusion of these businesses during Black Business Month seamlessly aligned with AFROPUNK’s mission to uplift and empower Black-owned enterprises, creating an impactful space for artisans to connect with hundreds of consumers.
The day also featured a show-stopping performance from Durand Bernarr, who made a triumphant return to the AFROPUNK main stage. Bernarr’s electrifying set brought the house down, blending soulful vocals with unmatched stage presence, leaving the audience energized and in awe.
Closing out the weekend was the incomparable Erykah Badu, who returned for night two of her much-anticipated Ba-Deux set. Once again, Badu captivated the audience with her timeless sound and expressive energy, providing the perfect finale to the two-day celebration. Surprising fans, Badu welcomed Durand Bernarr back to the stage who provided backup vocals to her iconic songs. Her performance was a fitting end to a weekend that celebrated artistry, community, and the diversity of Black culture.
Special guests joined in on the festivities, helping bring the celebratory weekend to a close including:
- Tierra Whack (Rapper & Singer)
- Thundercat (2x Grammy Award Winning Artist)
- Shameik Moore ( Voice of Miles Morales, Spider Man)
- Nick Arrington (Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard)
As the final notes echoed through Prospect Park, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN left an indelible mark on all who attended, reminding everyone of the power of music, expression, and unity.
For additional information on the 2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA BKLYN event or to request additional assets and footage, please contact press@afropunk.com. Stay tuned for more information from AFROPUNK on its 20 year anniversary celebration, kicking off this fall by keeping up on AFROPUNK.com and on the brand’s official channels: @afropunk on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Images | Armon Hayes
