Afropunk 2023: Where the Melanin Shines the Brightest
The mighty Afropunk festival returned to its original home of Brooklyn for a two-day event this past weekend. Located at the Greenpoint Terminal Market, the festival not only brought great views of the New York City skyline but a perfect representation of Black genius
Headlining the first night was producer Flying Lotus, who primarily performed hits off of his 2021 album Yasuke. On the hip-hop side, Vince Staples was in attendance along with New York City icons The Beatnuts.
Covering jazz for Saturday night was artist Madison McFerrin, who comes from a family of acclaimed artists across three generations. Durand Benarr also graced the stage and performed songs from his most recent album Wanderlust, which was released in 2022.
Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Durand Bernarr performing at Afropunk 2023.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Tobe Nwigwe backed by a choir.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Drummer Elijah Watson from Proper.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Iniko brings her beauty to the stage.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Amindi rocking the stage.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Vince Staples getting some crowd participation.
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Photo Credit: @sango_nyc for Afropunk
Winter Wolf hitting the stage.
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Day 1
Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Flying Lotus closing the first fay of the festival.
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Sunday had a packed slate of artists, headlined by a pair of New York City icons in Teyana Taylor (who replaced Jazmine Sullivan as headliner) and Joey Bada$. Teyana came out of retirement to perform, bringing up her husband Iman Shumpert, who formerly played for the New York Knicks. Joey Bada$ hyped up the crowd performing some of his top hits towards the end of the night.
Preceding the two, the stage saw many great performances from Baby Tate, Sudan Archives, Dreamer Isioma, DBN Gogo, and many more.
Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Teyana Taylor closing the festival.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Joey Bada$$ brought the stage down.
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Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Sudan Archives with a powerful set.
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Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Baby Tate stunting with skyline in the back.
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Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Unity bringing the rage.
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Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Dreamer Isioma a Sunday highlight
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Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Enny performing bringing the sun.
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Day 2
Photo Credit: Avery “AJ” Munroe for Afropunk
Teyana Taylor and the family on stage.
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Outside of the musical performances, Afropunk showcased local creatives through the Spinthrift Market, providing fans the opportunity to purchase goods from the local Black-owned food trucks.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
The sun setting during Afropunk.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
EARTHGANG posting up.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Afropunk attendee.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
Afropunk attendee.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
The stage isn't the only place where you get performances at Afropunk.
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Photo Credit: Kaushik Kalidindi for Okayplayer
A crowd at Afropunk.
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Courtesy of AfroPunk
Afropunk is a family affair.
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The crowd at Afropunk
Photo Credit: @kumoshai for Afropunk
The best dressed person at Afropunk.
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