AFROPUNK '24: Badu Delivers Soul Classics With A Side Of Rock

Source: Getty Images For AFROPUNK / Getty

For almost 20 years now, AFROPUNK Festival has been the go-to gathering for those seeking the intersections between Black identity, queer expression, good eats from all sides of the culture and most importantly live music of the melanated variety. Although the now-global music fest has gone through significant changes over the years, from organizers making it a ticketed event after years of being free for the public to a heavily-debated decision to vacate its usual stomping grounds at the spacious Commodore Barry Park, AFROPUNK Brooklyn still manages to be one of the most beloved end-of-summer events. We found that out over the weekend while attending two epic nights for the 2024 outing headlined by veteran neo-soul queen Erykah Badu, who gave her classic R&B hits a rock-tinged mix that brought all the pure punk energy to a full circle. RELATED: Here Are 10 Times Erykah Badu Showed Us Her Unicorn Powers Although part of the aforementioned downsizing meant Badu was the biggest performing act by a long shot compared to the loaded lineups in AFROPUNK’s past, the weekend wasn’t without its marvels. Key moments from the stage during Day 1 included Beyoncé dance co-captain Amari Marshall’s stellar hosting duties, a battle-of-the-bands-themed “Big Ass Kids” showcase featuring emerging artists Student 1, Ose, Lara, Ferrari$moke, Pilot Jonezz, The Arti$t, My Friend Shawn plus Trust Nobody and a vivacious show by Brazilian powerhouse Larissa Luz. Outside of music, LPW Pro Wrestling displayed the beloved contact sport from a whole new culturally-significant perspective, and local party collective FightClubNYC brought ball culture and voguing to the stage with help from House of Juicy Couture. Day 2 brought an even bigger turnout, this time hosted by model/host Gitoo and featuring bumping sets by way of dj mOma, Phunky Nomads, Winter Wolf, Rebelmatic, Breezy Supreme, Jenny Hates Techno and HUE. Trailblazing queer musician Durand Bernarr was easily the next best thing to Badu, delivering an infectious energy and top tier vocals that kept all eyes in his direction and even made a few new fans along the way. Erykah Badu claimed both nights as her own, performing a full hour each time that was almost identical to her fan-favorite 2008 performance on VH1’s Soul Stage. However, songs like “On & On,” “The Healer,” “Appletree” and “Back in the Day (Puff)” were reworked with a punk edge to fit the festival’s theme. The result was ethereal to say the least, and guest spots from the likes of Rapsody, Thundercat and a return from Durand Bernarr made it all the more unforgettable.

Keep scrolling for more highlights from Erykah Badu’s two-night “Ba-Deux”set at AFROPUNK 2024 and everything else that went down over the weekend:

1. AFROPUNK attendee Tim Victor looking sensational

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

2. Oni King and Michael Fain of Legacy Pro Wrestling put on a show!

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

3. What a day at the park…

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

4. Aster The GEMini and Rayan of Trust Nobody rock out on the AFROPUNK stage

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

5. Bulleit Bourbon shots for all!

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

6. A performance by rap-rocker My Friend Shawn

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

7. Mekhi Cuffee and Reese Swae bring vogue and ball culture to AFROPUNK

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

8. A talented AFROPUNK Ballroom battle dancer 'rising' above the competition

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

9. Crowd says, "10s!"

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

10. One of the most eccentric attendees at AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

11. Parisian jewelry designer Nafolo looking regal

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

12. A standout performance from Larissa Luz

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

13. Crowd stayed lit

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

14. Badu delivering on the first night of two unforgettable sets

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY

15. AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn 2024

2024 AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA Brooklyn (Day 1)
August 23, 2024
Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park — Brooklyn, NY