Erykah Badu performs at 2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA at Lena Horne Bandshell on August 24, 2024 in New York City. Source: Joy Malone / Getty
Last weekend, on August 23rd & 24th, Brooklyn was the eclectic epicenter of Black creativity and rebellion in music and fashion. AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA took over the center stage at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, its original location.
The lineup artists such as Durand Bernarr, DJ Moma, and the one and only Erykah Badu, who last performed at AFROPUNK in 2008. Her appearance almost 20 years later is fitting and aligned with AFROPUNK’s 25th anniversary celebration next year.
Donovan Vega and Nicolette Vega attend 2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA at Lena Horne Bandshell on August 24, 2024 in New York City. Source: Joy Malone / Getty
B. Monet attends 2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA at Lena Horne Bandshell on August 24, 2024 in New York City. Source: Joy Malone / Getty
AFROPUNK traditionally celebrates the diversity of Black culture and the fearless spirit of the underground—the unique rebel. Between songs, Badu told the crowd, “This festival particularly started as a result of a documentary called Afro Punk. About the Black punk kids in New York…all around the World who needed a place to be funky!”
The “Black punk kids” that Badu mentioned resonate with her past as she has historically pushed social norms and boundaries while creating a space where artistry meets revolution through her music.
Sula attends 2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA at Lena Horne Bandshell on August 24, 2024 in New York City. Source: Joy Malone / Getty
On her debut album in 1997,” Baduizm,” she wrote all but one of the songs, exemplifying her talent as a songwriter, securing her status as a significant new voice in music, helping define the neo-soul genre, and establishing Erykah Badu’s influence even today.
The vibes of her performance were mystical and sage-like to the neo-soul lover’s ear. Her mix of soul, jazz, funk, R&B, heavy drums, and unique electric sounds was cleansing to a fashionable, live audience while performing fan favorites such as “On and On” and “Love of My Life.”
Source: Joy Malone / Getty
Celinda Burns and Tim Victor attend 2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA at Lena Horne Bandshell on August 24, 2024 in New York City. Source: Joy Malone / Getty
She also performed her recent single with new hip-hop artist Rapsody, “3:AM,” illustrating that she still connects with young, hip listeners.
“The vibe on Friday night was pure magic. Erykah just floated on stage, backed by a full band with Thundercat on the bass,” describes Le’Roy Benros, Founder of Big.Ass.Kids. “It felt like she was in her backyard playing for friends and family. It was a 90-minute set that felt like 20 minutes.”
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