Afropunk Atlanta

How a 2003 documentary film has transformed into a movement of expression, individuality, and love.

Images source: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/afropunk-2018-brooklyn-atlanta-lineups/

Film Sparks Festival

The Afropunk movement originates from the brooding social commentary of James Spooner’s 2003 documentary film, “Afropunk.” Spooner based his movie on the New York punk scene, and it revolves around a group of African Americans who struggle to fit into it. Only two years after the film’s release came the first Afropunk festival. For many years, it was native solely to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Spooner is no longer part of the festival, but it still lives on. The festival’s message embraces the culture and doesn’t apologize for living one’s truth.

Defining Culture

On the official website,  “AFROPUNK” is described as a “defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit while making sense of the world around you.” The festival marches across the country, spreading transcendence and inclusion to anyone willing to listen. 

Afropunk Atlanta

Atlanta has been a prominent stop on the powerhouse tour since 2015. The movement has picked up steam worldwide over the years and has practically become a living organism. Solange Knowles, who has been a revered supporter of the Afropunk program, received much praise last year for her headliner performance and involvement in the music festival. 

This year, Atlanta’s Afropunk festival will be taking place October 12-13, under the adage Carnival of Consciousness. The weekend will be kicked off with a battle of the bands, featuring local, unsigned artists. The winning act will receive the prestige of being “festival opener.” The show will hit five international cities, including Brooklyn, Atlanta, Johannesburg, Paris, and London. The festival encompasses elements of sexual and gender identity, art, fashion, and activism. Each leg touts a particular spin on the theme, given the sensitivity of the locale. 

This year’s lineup includes the following acts and more:    

 Anderson Paak & the Free Nationals

FKA Twigs

Danny Brown

Gallant 

Smino

SIR

Fantastic Negro

Earthgang 

Fever 333

Masego

Leikeli47

Mahalia

Ravyn Lenae

Cautious Clay

Lucky Daye

Louder than Quiet

Sho Madjozi

Duckwrth

Upchuck

Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes)

Moses Boyd and DJ Lag

Local ATL DJs