AFROPUNK 2016 MY EXPERIENCE

AFRO PUNK, founded in 2003 by Matthew Morgan, started as a documentary spotlighting Black Punks in America.  It has now become a voice to thousands of multi-cultural kids fiercely identifying with a lifestyle path-less-traveled.

Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” the word AFROPUNK itself has become synonymous with open-minded, non-conforming and an unconventional community.

I loved what this festival represent and how it spoke to my inner self.  In my youth I listening to Korn,  Dave Matthews Band and attending raves.  I was always one of,if not the only, thrashing black girl in a crowd.  It was something that I kept hidden and rarely allowed my friends to see what CD I was listening to in my diskman. It was hard and felt very alone in my music choices in high school.  It wasn't until college that I learned to be myself no matter what. This is what AFRO PUNK represents.

I  learned about the festival about 3 years ago. I said every year I would make it but  kept missing the opportunity to go.  I made it my 2016 goal to attend AP this year.  

Better than just attending,  I received the opportunity to work within the organization this year.  I spent the pass week working the event pre events as well as work AFTER DARK events.  I didn't get a lot of time inside the festival but got one day to taste, see and experience the festival.  

Here are a few photos I took while there. 

MUSIC

FELL IN LUV WITH SKUNK ANANSIE

THIS GIRL WAS GETTING DOWN!!!! LOVE IT

VIP CANGA LINE TO SOCA WAS EVERYTHING

STYLE

STYLE TIP: WEAR EXTRA COMFORTABLE SHOES

MORE STYLE PHOTOS AT +Curvysta 

AWARENESS

SURVIVOR OF BREAST CANCER  PUSH  GENDER EQUALITY

ARTIST WORKING ON THIS PIECE DURING THE EVENT

 What an amazing time for this event.  I can not put into world what I felt but if I had to I would say it felt like love and lavender.  Cant wait for 2017.  See you next year AFROPUNK

BEYONCE "LEMONADE" RELEASED VIA TIDAL

At 12:08am on a Saturday night the "beehive" finally received what they have been waiting for.
After a 3 year hiatus Beyoncé release "Lemonade" exclusively on Tidal, a online movie and video streaming cite and app, owned by her husband, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.

I feel the need to tell you that I am not  a Beyoncé fan.   I may jig to a song in the club and appreciate her dancing and  stage present but I have never bought a CD or seen her in concert.
I like to say "I'm not against the B-Hive....I'm just indifferent to the B-Hive"

I got the notification that "Lemonade" had dropped on Tidal so naturally I was interested.  I first went to social media to see what people saying.  It didn't help my feeling when I saw people saying "I need 3 days to learn all the dance moves".  I thought "OH GOD!!!  Another dance, feel good video with over the top sexy outfits she barely wears for AN HOUR!!!" NOT INTERESTED

I'm old enough to remember watching the extended version of "Thriller" on TV for the first time and felt that Beyoncé was biting AGAIN from the greats to make more money off of her poor fans. 

Safe to say I started the video with a pre determine notion of what I was going to see.
I was shocked at what I actually saw.

Beyoncé started in bare makeup, a hoodie with her voice and her heart on her sleeve.  I could tell this was not her average "Single Ladies" kind of video.
With titles like "Intuition", "Denial", "Anger", "Rage" running across the screen I realized that this was a story of a women who had dealt with the ultimate betrayal...infidelity.

I said to myself "Where the rumors true?"  Was their marriage really in trouble while they were touring the globe???? When Solange went off on Jay in the elevator...was this the reason??? Was Jay Z stepping out on one of the most beloved and famous women in the word????"

I came away with an even bigger message.

I was mesmerized by the beautiful cinematography, fashion wardrobe, the Louisiana bayou feel and the beautiful shades of black women throughout the video.  I realized at that moment I was going to witnessing a women hurt and how she got over that hurt through the anger, pain, her own betrail (my feelings of what I saw not what was said) and getting back to her roots to find solace.
I was witnessing pain.  I was witnessing truth.

"Lemonade" is about what all of our grandmothers said to us...."When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!!"Take what has happen to you that is bad and make it into something good.

I'm not a music blogger but I am a women.  This hour plus long video and 13 track record is something women for generations will play when pain and hurt has entered into their  lives and need music to handle it.

"Lemonade" will be the album she is most remembered for.  THIS IS HER THRILLER!!!!
 
Am I a fan of Beyoncé now?  I cant say....but I will say this, when I see great work I will not deny it. 

Congrats to Beyoncé  and  Jay-Z!!!! Thank you for sharing something so personal.

If you haven't seen the video click here to subscribe to Tidal and start streaming it.

All opinons are from NEC STYLE
Photos via Tidal