#TBT: AFROPUNK ATL 2016

#TBT: AFROPUNK ATL 2016

Oh, this is going to be a good one. When I tell you I got my entire life October 14-16 of 2016, I promise you I did. The entire AfroPunk experience was literally life-changing. And yes, there are times that I can be a little dramatic, but I assure and reassure you that this is not one of those times. AfroPunk, if the name is not telling enough, is for the culture.  Given the times and the climate we are in, it felt so comforting and to be in that environment. I know people are always shouting ‘Good Vibes Only’, but this was truly that.

What is AFROPUNK?

AfroPunk is a mixture of the two words that form its name: afro and punk. It is all about the African spirit and culture meshed with rebel-like (or free/raw) attitudes. It creates a safe space to do and be you, in all of your AfroPunk-ness. Yes, it’s about consciousness. It’s about woke-ness. It’s about community. It’s about being involved. It’s all of that, but the festivals themselves are super lit  celebrations that take you away from the stresses of the world for an entire weekend. The festivals take place each year in Brooklyn, Paris, London and Atlanta. Do yourself a favor, and check out AfroPunk.

The Experience

Last year, I knew I wanted to be a part of this! So, I did research and decided to apply to be a volunteer with the Atlanta AfroPunk Fest. It was so awesome to see the transformation over the week up until opening night. The crew came down from New York to make sure this was an A1 event. They are definitely a no nonsense group that is so focused, fun and just amazing. Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about them.

***Sidenote: Volunteering is a great way to gain free entry into events. Dedicate your time, put in work and get an awesome experience in return. Sounds like a win-win to me.***

After I volunteered during the week, I was READY for the weekend to begin.

Friday night it all went down. When I got there I saw the results of all the hard that was put in to make this happen. I felt like I was in a dreamland, spinning around in circles with the flowiest dress on. Okay, I’m being dramatic, but you catch my drift. I was the engulfed in blackness in various shades, shapes, sizes and personalities. And when I say people came out DRESSED. They were D-R-E-S-S-E-D! No games were played! 

I went with a couple friends and we spent the whole weekend going from stage to stage listening to different DJs and artists, some we knew and some we didn’t. We ate good food and just had fun. It was the epitome of a carefree weekend. I should honestly start vlogging these kinds of adventures. Right?

When the last day of the festival came, I ended my weekend having met new people, had new outfit ideas and my Apple Music library was full of new music. Y’all, I even met Lance Gross. Got the picture and all…

Are you jealous?

No?

OK, cool. Just know it happened.

As I am writing this, I’m literally back on the cloud that AfroPunk left me on each night, from start to finish. This is definitely a festival that I am making a yearly tradition. For sure. The countdown is on for AfroPunk 2017. 

xoxo,

kay monique.

***Here’s a tiny glimpse into my AfroPunk experience!




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