• ELIXHER
• On August 26, 2014

By Andrea Dwyer

Thousands flocked to Fort Greene, Brooklyn for the 10th annual Afropunk festival this past weekend. Afropunk, pinned by the New York Times as the most multicultural festival in the U.S., has certainly become a haven of Black diversity in all its forms. The festival showcases the indie music scene elite; past performers have included Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae, and queer artists such as Toshi Reagon, Mykki Blanco, Lelf, Big Freedia and DJ Mursi Layne. This year’s lineup certainly didn’t disappoint and many have noted that it has been the best yet. A Brooklyn native stated, “I remember back in the day when it was just a few artists with a low key street festival feel. It’s amazing to see what it’s now become.” Times have certainly changed as seasoned artists and newcomers alike including Valerie June, SZA, Lianne La Havas, Alice Smith, and queer lovelies Meshell Ndegeocello, Syd Tha Kyd from The Internet and musical duo THEESatisfaction all lent their talents to the festival this year.

THEESatisfaction | Photo by Randi Butler: facebook.com/RandiButlerPhotography

Meshell Ndegeocello | Photo by Brianna Roye: briannaroye.com

Syd Tha Kid | Photo by Brianna Roye: briannaroye.com

The two-day gathering kicked off Saturday at noon but it wasn’t until late evening that things got wild over at the Afropunk Gold Stage. Seattle-based, self-proclaimed “Black weirdos,” THEESatisfaction, played a two-hour DJ set to an energetic crowd who cheerfully rocked out to classics such as Missy Elliot’s “Get Your Freak On,” Erykah Badu’s “Honey,” Janelle Monae’s “Tightrope” and Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.” The entire set was a definite crowd-pleaser where fans often broke into impromptu dance battles and synchronized to the electric slide.

On Sunday, fans anxiously anticipated the performance of The Internet and long-timer in the industry Meshell Ndegeocello. Ndegeocello coolly stepped on stage and fans were immediately receptive to the electrifying sounds. Ndegeocello, typically known for her emotive and moody songs, performed a more up-tempo set than expected. Minutes into Ndegeocello’s set I jumped over to catch Syd Tha Kyd and company in action. Syd kept things entertaining throughout, occasionally striking a pose as if she were modeling for, let’s say, the Odd Future’s SS 14 collection. The young performer had a definite stage presence, commanding the audience to clap and dance along all while maneuvering her way about in true Syd form just like she did in the video for “Dontcha.” A standout moment during the performance was when Syd acknowledged the strife going on in Ferguson, Missouri expressing her sympathy during the song “Pupil I the Patience.”

An equally important aspect of the event was the fashion. The queer women at the festival certainly kept things fashion-forward, sporting well coiffed frohawks, brightly colored ensembles, dapper gents and everything else in between. Check out the photo montage below of a few women we loved at the festival. You’ll be happy to see a special activist we admire.

*Gallery photos by Randi Butler | Featured photos by Brianna Roye

Andrea is a lover of her very Jamaican family. She loves music, cinema, travel, and all things queer. You can follow her work at superselected.com and afropunk.com.