In an effort to better serve the community in the UK, we’re revamping our AFROPUNK London programming to be geared towards more community-based partnerships and experiences to support local black creatives and activists. After listening to our community, we realized that people craved deeper connections and spaces for black creativity to flourish.

As a result, our new theme for London, from October 2019-2020, is “Making Black History” with the intention of creating a platform for unique content and experiences that celebrate black creatives and community excellence. Between now and Black History Month 2020, we’ll be putting the spotlight on those who are paving their own way and making their own history.

This summer, we’re excited to announce our Battle of the Bands competition for London, in collaboration with Arts Council England. Finalists from Battle of the Bands will have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops designed to help burgeoning artists looking to break into the music industry. The ultimate winner will also win a trip to perform at AFROPUNK Joburg 30/31 December alongside Solange, Miguel, Goldlink and more. Visit here for more information if you, or a band you know, has what it takes.

We’re also excited to launch our partnership with BBZ London and be a sponsor of their 2019 BBZ BLACK BOOK Graduate Show August 22nd to August 31st. We support and champion their mission to give Queer Black artists the opportunity and platform to have their work seen. We’ll also be working with them to develop content, alongside resources and trainings for our staff that ensure that all of our spaces are safe and inclusive for the queer community and spotlighting queer creatives.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to making Black History together.

AFROPUNK’s Battle of the Bands is the first expression of mentorship, support and encouragement in our creative community. Yes, it is a competition in which new artists play for the chance to perform at AFROPUNK events and on its festival stages. But it’s more than that. It’s an opportunity to show the people what you got, to be recognized by your audience and by your peers, since they’re the ones picking the winners. Some victors sign record-label deals and become famous for a while, others play a couple of big shows and fade away. Yet, you know, you know it, in this Battle of the Bands moment, that you need a bigger platform. What are you going to do — but whatever you do, the AFROPUNK community is there for you.

With the support of Arts Council England this year’s Battle of the Bands London winner will win a trip to Joburg, South Africa to perform at AFROPUNK Joburg 2019 on 30/31 December. Enter your band to win a chance to play alongside Solange, Miguel, Goldlink, Masego and Nao at AFROPUNK Joburg 2019.