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

AFROPUNK 2024: Erykah Badu Performed Her Classics With A “Rock&B” Twist - Page 6

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.

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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.

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