Music

the energy of afropunk’s battle of the bands is wild

May 15, 2019

The primary goal of every AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands event is to choose a winner — whether that means taking the small step of moving on to the next round, or the giant leap all the way to the festival main stage. Might things get a little raw and competitive in the process? Certainly, but the main energy at these gigs is not just that of cut-throat rivalry.

AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands is a showcase of community and excellence; it is a flash of creativity both on-and off-stage; and, above all, it is an explosion of love and presence. It’s all about being there. There is glory might be in winning, but there is massive strength and joy in simply participating, whether as talent or as support. The expressions on the faces of the performers and the fans tend to betray these feelings.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re in Continental Europe, sign up for the AFROPUNK Paris Battle of the Bands. Otherwise, get some inspiration from the images below, and follow us for announcements on the upcoming Battles in Brooklyn, London, ATL and Joburg.

Unlocking the Truth playing at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands in Brooklyn 2012 at Free Candy.

The crowd at Free Candy during AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands in Brooklyn 2014.

Serati performing at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Joburg 2018 at Carfax Newtown.

Aria Nadège performing at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Brooklyn 2018 at Knitting Factory.

Crazy energy at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Brooklyn at Free Candy in June of 2014.

Crowd getting hype at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Brooklyn at Free Candy in June of 2014.

Ikati Esengxoweni performs at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Joburg 2018 at Carfax Newtown.

Red Robyn reacts to winning AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Joburg 2018 at Carfax Newtown.

AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Joburg 2017 winner, Automatic Live plays the AFROPUNK festival main stage, December 2017.

Starve Marve: King Negus perform at AFROPUNK Battle of the Bands Brooklyn 2018 at Knitting Factory.

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