First off they found a dope venue in Williamsburg called The Knitting Factory. Exposed brick, high booths, it was a great fit for an evening of punking out. Day 1 definitely set the tone and standard for what was to be brought to the stage.
The host was this hilarious tall dude with great hair and impeccable fashion. He hosted every night and brought energy, positivity and celebration. Walking into the room afropunk signs could be spotted along with their sponsors, soundcloud, dr martens and a company that offered swag bags for all the BOTB performers. Lots of people came out already giving me a foreshadowing of what afropunk will be looking like. Black girls were dancing outside, outfits were cute and alternative and everyone was sending good energy to each other. These simple things are what make afropunk so special and important.
When the show got started it took off with That Boy Miles. He's a young groovy dude from New Orleans who made sure to rep once on stage. He also has an amazing fantasy, as they made sure to turn up during his set! He's definitely the pretty boy, ladies man type so ladies definitely give him a follow, he may follow back. Next was Miranda Rae, a personal friend of my friend, so she was who I hollered for. And also just because she is phenomenal! Vocals are gorgeous and serene and she owns the stage. You can't help but watch her and that's what we did. Her songs gave me life and were very powerful. It was also an inspiration to see a big black girl on stage rocking a crop top and doing her thing!
Next was Ethan Piper and The Instigators and they didn't come to play. They sent a message of love and unity with a wave. No matter who you were representing that night you had to give Ethan his props. They played well and had awesome riffs and solos with great vocals backing everything. They ended up winning and making it to the next level.
Day 4 brought a larger crowd to the venue. All the little alternative kids came to play. Our lovely host was egging everyone on to dance the first night, but I saw everyone got the memo by Saturday. B-boys were starting circles, homegirls were putting each other on and I could be spotted in the front swaying. The host hailed this dj the best thus far and I saw why. I made it for the second act, Juggernaut War Party. Who's lead singer was in the Naked Brothers Band! If anyone really knows me, they know I had an odd obsession with the Naked Bros and even watched their show although I was well out of my teens. I digress, this group was another fierce competitor. As they did a call and response with their following i was impressed by the militancy and intensity. Rock, hip-hop and experimental fusion is what I would call their sound. They were another group you'd like even if you came to represent another act. With the lead being animated and diverse, going from aggressive to soft, strumming an acoustic that brought the crowd at ease showed they are a group worthy of the stage.
However, I was there to represent Shacar! And that I did when he came on next. His band started while he was singing backstage. They sounded smooth and clean. Shacar brought the vocals and suspense; people were searching for where he'd enter. Once he started walking across the stage we responded with screams. He brought a sexy r&b sound and really drew us speculators in. And him taking off his shirt once center stage with the beat drop didn't hurt. After his first song which was full of emotion and acting, he ran off stage again while his band played. Shacar reappeared in a Liv Streetwear jumper. Yes he did bless us with an outfit change! Between his high energy, great crowd engagement, and freestyle, there was no way Shacar wasn't earning his way to the BOTB finale. I left after his set and hoped fate was on his side, and it was! It was also on Juggernaut War Party's side too, there was a draw! So both phenomenal acts get to battle again and see who will perform at AFROPUNK.
This has been a great event so far and if you want to catch the contestants again, come to the last competition August 11.2017. If there's a right way to get into the AFROPUNK spirit this is definitely it! So get excited because black culture, music and power is back!
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