Since its inception in 2005, the Afro Punk Festival has evolved into a global sensation, transforming from a small gathering into a movement that celebrates diversity, creativity, and inclusivity. Defined as 'the black experience’, AfroPunk is inspired by the Afrocentric style and rebellious spirit of punk.

The festival has become a platform for emerging artists, musicians, and designers to showcase their talents and make their mark in the world. It is also one of the most popular music festivals in the world, attended by about 70,000 people every year. 

Origins And Evolution Of AfroPunk: A Remarkable Reason to Empower

AfroPunk was founded by James Spooner and Matthew Morgan in 2005 after the former premiered his original film, Afro-Punk, documenting the experiences of Black musicians and fans. The pair envisioned a platform to celebrate the culture of Black punk, elevate the presence of Black Punk artists, and build a community where Black people could experience the spirit of punk.

This desire birthed the festival. It was first held in Brooklyn and eventually expanded to other cities. The earliest celebrations of the Afropunk festival got the support of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the sponsorship of brands such as Toyota and featured legends such as Lauryn Hill and Grace Jones. Over the years, it has evolved to be a celebration of more than just rock music but also of Black culture, including fashion, beauty and hair, community, and more. 

Today, Afropunk stretches beyond the borders of Brooklyn. It has been celebrated in cities around the world, including Paris, the world’s fashion hub, and Johannesburg, Africa.

The Afro-Punk Aesthetic: a sensational and hypnotic blend of afrofashion 

Afropunk is capitalised by Afrofashion. It blends African-inspired elements with punk and alternative fashion influences. Attendees embrace their individuality and express themselves through outfits.

From vibrant African prints like Ankara to contemporary Black-inspired fashion, AfroPunk is a place to witness the craftsmanship of Black owned fashion brands. The fashion styles range from avant-garde to minimalist but always reflect the rebellious spirit of punk. Colourful designs and African jewellery are central to the punk festival. The textures and patterns are bold and eccentric. 

Discover our wide range of African clothing online stores to shop and rock at Afropunk Festival

Afropunk Hair and Beauty

The Afropunk Festival is a haven for creativity in hair and beauty. Participants display their distinct and unique hairstyles, embracing natural textures and experimenting with vibrant colours. From intricate braids and locs to afros and shaved designs, the hairstyles at AfroPunk are a true celebration of individuality and self-expression. 

The festival also showcases a wide range of bold makeup looks, with attendees adorning their faces with glitter, bright eyeshadows, and statement lip colours. 

Access our ethically made skincare and beauty products 

Music at Afropunk

At Afropunk, music is not just music, it is a thoughtful experience meant to celebrate Blackness. In an interview with the New York Times about preparations for the festival, Corey Glover, singer of Living Colour Band, mentioned that preparations for the set list go beyond just planning to entertain. ‘Insomuch as we’re trying to make the setlist somewhat entertaining, we’re trying to make it as socially relevant as possible’, he said. 

Afropunk Festival music has evolved from Black punk music to celebrate all genres of music. The festival's lineup features a wide range of genres, including punk, alternative rock, hip-hop, reggae, and electronic music. Renowned artists and emerging talents come together to create an electric atmosphere that pulsates with energy.

Whether you love to mosh to the beats of a punk band, groove to the rhythms of an afrobeat artist, or immerse yourself in the hypnotic sounds of electronic music, Afropunk offers a diverse musical experience that caters to all tastes.

The festival's commitment to showcasing both established and up-and-coming artists ensures that attendees are constantly discovering new sounds and expanding their musical horizons. It is a rich and eclectic musical experience that you will always cherish. 

This year's lineup of artists includes Joey Badass, Flying Lotus, Iniko and Bembona Punk Black. 

Beyond Music: the best of Afropunk- Art, Activism And Community

Afropunk is not your usual mainstream music festival, it is also a platform for art, activism, and community engagement. The festival promotes social justice, inclusivity, and empowerment, encouraging attendees to express their beliefs and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Art installations, workshops, panel discussions, and activism spaces provide an opportunity for attendees to learn, connect, and contribute to the movement. These additional elements of the festival create a vibrant and immersive experience, allowing attendees to explore different forms of artistic expression and engage with important social issues.

By fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for activism, the Afro Punk Festival goes beyond mere entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on those who participate. In May of this year, Afropunk partnered with Martell to create Afropunk Black Herstory which celebrated Black women's contributions to art, music, culture and society.

Uplift the vision of Afropunk by supporting Black-owned environmentally conscious businesses.

The Afropunk Experience 2023: Where is the latest festival?

This year's festival will be held at the Greenpoint Skyline Drive-In on August 26th and 27th. Afropunk 2023 promises to be a captivating blend of soulful melodies, electrifying performances, and thought-provoking lyrics.

From Jazmine Sullivan's powerful vocals to Flying Lotus' experimental beats, each artist brings a unique flavour to the festival, ensuring an unforgettable musical journey for all attendees. Prepare yourself for this year's hit by embracing the 'Circus of Soul' spirit and the energetic atmosphere. As per the organisers, it will be a ‘space where you can let your freak flag fly and be proud of who you are.’ 

The festival will also feature Black artisans and makers, a thrift market, pop-up restaurants, and many more art installations. If you are visiting New York for the first time to attend the festival, you should budget between $1,000USD to $5,000USD for at least one week stay.

There are a number of hotels for every taste in New York such as the Ace Hotel Brooklyn, New York Marriott and the NYC Green hotels. Purchase tickets and access official communication from the Afropunk website.

We do not own the rights to the images. All photos are courtesy of Afropunk.