Saturday was all about hitting the stages. Most of the performers I planned to see was today which was bittersweet. While I spent most of the day running from stage to stage to see my favorite artists, sacrifices were made and ultimately I missed a few acts. No fret though; the day was made with all the beauty to revel in.
AFROPUNK being about the culture always manifests once getting to the park grounds, even beforehand truthfully. The ride to Commodore Barry Park was fun; other AFROPUNK guests headed there too. Conversations around who we wanted to see, downloading the app and outfit compliments started instantly. It is great how the fest connects people like that. Once getting to the grounds the line was quick, I received a weekend band and prepared for the aesthetics and grooves I was about to experience.
Upon entering the park The Skins could be heard playing "Go Off", so heading to the gold stage was the first move. Bay Li looked amazing and was giving the crowd life. Kaya Nico wasn't spotted on the stage, which was interesting. My favorite thing about The Skins is their black girl magic type dance choreo that's typically performed by the band sisters. Bay Li instead had two back up dancers with her giving us cheer team feels with their pom poms. The band impressed the crowd, having folks wave, jump and scream in adoration.
Before making my way over to the red stage I took photos of all the black girl magic and black boy joy that blessed the park grounds. Then I made it over to see Leikeli47. She was came with energy and an all boy drum-line. These young folks did not come to play, as they danced and beat with ferocity that kept the crowd zoned in. She also had black girls crumping on the stage and they went off! Everything about Leikeli47 gave me black student life vibes and she is definitely an artist to watch. She also flattered the crowd by telling us she had to snap us; "Y''all just too cute; I cant help it." I'm glad I caught her dope set. I stayed at the red stage for Princess Nokia, another artist who turned up with the audience.
I'll just say it now: hands down Princess Nokia was my favorite for Saturday's sets. She came with great energy and diaspora love."Brujas" started as her school girl dancers came out in formation. Once Princess Nokia got on stage the crowd lost it. She was just having fun and basking in the sea of black and brown people. From her crowd surf to her twerking I was just completely engulfed in her show. Princess Nokia has a great way of being lively while driving home messages that are empowering for us. I got to see her perform the songs "Tomboy" and "G.O.A.T." which are my favorites. Now remember how I was saying most of my favorites were today? Since this was the case I did have to leave the performance early to catch Jorja Smith back at the red stage.
Jorja Smith is one of the UK lovelies who blessed the AFROPUNK stage. She wore these sexy olive green bell bottom pants with holes cut out paired with a sheer black top. I got to hear her perform "Imperfect Circles" and "Carry Me Home". Her voice is spectacular and she always shows love to Maverick, who is featured on "Carry Me Home", which he came onto the festival stage to sing. Jorja Smith definitely set a more soothing tone. Afterwards it was time to head for the green stage and see the impeccable Thudercat.
Thundercat is a cool dude. He came on stage in a tee and gym shorts and rocked out with his guitar. He played many tracks from his album I know and love titled "Drunk". He kept flattering us too, with his pleasure to be at the fest and love for his fans. He did a faux ending of the show so many of us headed over to see SZA, but then he started back up with his song "Friend Zone"; so I enjoyed what I could of that song and made it over the masses awaiting the Empress of TDE.
Now if there's one thing most people know about me it's that I absolutely love SZA. This is the only reason I stood in the very back, tippy toeing to she her big gorgeous hair and pink outfit. She was wearing LIV snap-off pants with a pink tube top. She also had on black hi-top chucks and a black jean jacket. My fave came on stage with a cup and just started signing "Supermodel" off her latest project "CTRL". She's just so amazing even when she's ant sized. She kept the "CTRL" tracks rolling and the crowd was singing to every track. She asked us if we knew her before this album and I screamed "Ye!s". Next thing you know "Child's Play" starts. I stayed for a few more "Z" tracks, but started to make my way to see Solange. I was glad I got to see SZA dance and vibe and be the carefree black girl I aspire to everyday.
Since it was already so packed I went into the beer garden near the green stage. Solange would be performing and it was clear: that lot was filled with people shoulder to shoulder. She gave the crowd their whole entire lives. Starting with "Rise" she already had the crowd warped into her always carefully crafted show. The aesthetic for the night was orange and it looked wonderful. She had two women on vocals with her doing her powerful choreography. There were also a few tracks she brought out a crew of black musicians just jamming and playing. Her constant message of black joy and connectivity is transparent through her work and resonated with us that evening. It was cool seeing her day one fans go off for her earlier work; that was a precious moment that allowed day ones to prove their loyalty. The show was coming to a close but I knew she wasn't about to leave out "Don't Touch My Hair". Sampha performed prior; so I awaited his return to the stage and he did exactly that. Sampha and Solange certainly brought people back to when they first watched the infamous music video. Life completed. Solange also gave us words of comfort and love. She poured her heart out; really it bursts, through song and dance. It was definitely the way to close out day one. I was honored to see her and all the marvelous acts before her.
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