There are many images and characteristics associated with the rock scene. People may think of piercings, tattoos, crazy hairstyles and handmade clothing, but rarely do they include people of color in that image. It turns out that black Americans have had a strong history in the genre and still do today. The term “Afro-Punk” originally referred to these people of color (usually African Americans) who existed in the punk scene. These individuals were often marginalized for identifying with a predominately white culture, rather than their own black culture. Filmmaker, James Spooner created a documentary entitled “Afro-Punk” which explores the lives of four of these individuals and how they cope with issues of race, loneliness, interracial dating and black power.
In 2005 James Spooner and Matthew Morgan curated the first annual Afro-Punk festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in downtown Brooklyn. The festival showcased what became known as the cultural cornerstones of Afro-Punk: music, film, skate, bmx, art and the fans - individuals who are active parts of the Afro-Punk community.
Over the years the Afro-Punk festival has been the venue for ground breaking acts like, Saul Williams (beat poet), The Negro Problem (Passing Strange), Afrika Bambaataa, and Janelle Monae.
This year the Afro-Punk festival will feature acts including Bad Brains, k-os, The Bots, and Ninja Sonic. If you haven't already heard of these bands, trust me, you will.
Let’s take a look at the history of the festival. Sit back, sip on your coconut water and “ease on down the road” of Afro-Punk festivals past.
2005
Kelly was rockin,’ Gwen was hollerin,’ George Lucas was pushing “Revenge of the Sith,” and someone told a bunch of people that Ugg boots and ponchos looked good.
More importantly, the first Afro-Punk festival took place from July 1st – 3rd. For those who were in the know, it was about time. For those who didn’t know, they came, looked around and said “Oh, word?!?!”
The very first Afro-Punk Festival flyer. If you have one, keep it for Antiques Roadshow!
James Spooner, BAM, and the Afro-Punk Team curated a lineup of movies and performers that rocked downtown Brooklyn like never before. Downtown 81, Afro-Punk, The Cry of Jazz and Bad Brains Shorts were on the screen. Apollo Heights, KUDU, Cutlery, and Keziah Jones were on the stage.
KUDU - She took
her shoes off 'cause
they hurt her feet.
I've been there!
they hurt her feet.
I've been there!
2006
Paris Hilton dropped the tragically misunderstood “Stars Are Blind.” The Enron executives were (officially) found guilty. Shakira’s hips didn’t lie, Gnarles Barkley was Crazy and Justin Timberlake wanted his sexy back – or something like that. Beyonce launched her House of Dereon clothing line (which can be found at upscale stores like Burlington Coat Factory and PayHalf) and that Uggs memo was still being circulated.
Another Afro-Punk flyer.
Blue hair never looked so good!
Afro-Punk kept right on rockin,’ this time at Southpaw, Delancey and CBGB. DJ Legends Don Letts and DJ Spooky made memorable appearances. We rocked with Game Rebellion, Cipher, Nouveau Riche, Building Better Bombs. Afro-Punk the documentary was released on DVD with never released scenes and live footage.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
2007
Someone realized that loaning people money when they might not be able to pay it back was a bad idea. We finally learned what happened to Harry Potter, and iPhone reminded us that we were not cool because we couldn’t afford a $600 phone.
Lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground? Not us! We rocked the high waist skirts and jeans. I tripped a girl wearing Uggs when I was walking down the street in Soho…just for the hell of it.
This time Afro-Punk brought us Taylor McFerrin (you know, Bobby’s kid), Mighty Fine, DJ Rich Medina, Suffrajett and Apollo Heights (I love those guys!). The festival ended at First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum with The Exit, Dragons of Zynth and The Smyrk.
Apollo Heights
They're so ironic. Don't you think?
Another fly poster.
2008
Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama!
Uggs.
Afro-Punk introduced us to Janelle Monae. We saw baaadaass tricks at the Pro Skate Demo and BMX Demo. DJ Afrika Bambaattaa and DJ Prince were on the ones and twos.
Uggs.
Afro-Punk introduced us to Janelle Monae. We saw baaadaass tricks at the Pro Skate Demo and BMX Demo. DJ Afrika Bambaattaa and DJ Prince were on the ones and twos.
Janelle Monae, rockin' in the free world.
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I've always had a soft heart for skaters.
2009
RIP Michael Jackson. Obama started fighting the good fight for health care. We all became unemployed and Elin Woods showed us all that “she is NOT the one!” Sorry Tiger! People get ripped off for buying Uggs from a disreputable retailer online.
Personally, this was my favorite AP fest of all time. Janelle Monae returned to the stage, with her cute self, Saul Williams rocked as Niggy Tardust, and Apollo Heights came back (yay!) The dude from American Fangs can saaaang! Overall everyone held it down. In case you were there, I was that skinny girl dancing her arse off stage left.
So that ends our romp down memory lane. I’m sure you all have your own AP Fest memories, so post them and share! As for me, I’ll be at AP Fest 2010. It’ll be my birthday on June 26th. See you there!
2 comments:
Wonderful piece!
What did you think of the show this year?
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