Afropunk 2024: A 'Beautifully Melanated' Utopia

BROOKLYN, NY — Afropunk, the annual celebration of Black alternative music and culture, came roaring back for its 19th year in operation last weekend in Prospect Park.

Thousands of people flocked to the Lena Horne Bandshell — the festival's new location, after years at Commodore Barry Park — to see legendary singer Erykah Badu headline Friday and Saturday nights.

On Friday, the festival hosted a ballroom dance battle and wrestling.

Saturday featured live music from artists including Durand Bernarr, Jenny Hates Techno, Hue, Phunky Nomads, Breezy Supreme, Rebelmatic, and Winter Wolf.

This year's theme was "BLKTOPIA," which the organization described as a "radical reimagining of Black futures."

Afropunk, which started in Brooklyn in 2005, now hosts festivals all over the world in places like Paris, London and Johannesburg.

"My favorite part about Afropunk every year is just how beautifully melanated everybody is and how people’s outfits and hair are part of the experience," Marie Faustin, who has been to five Afropunks, said. "It’s a festival, so everyone is here to have a good time."

“I’m here for the fashion; it’s all about the fashion,” Peter Vandunk said. “With my outfit, I wanted to do a little homage to the Black women in my life — my mother and my sister — who are always wearing bamboo earrings.”

“I’m a playwright, and I’m writing a piece that is set during the Afropunk festival,” Andre Augustine said. “I’m looking forward to seeing more amazing outfits and tape some footage for the piece.”

Here are some more well-dressed concertgoers from Saturday.