With AFROPUNK’s September 24th date edging closer, the festival that celebrates multiculturalism and diversity announces a fresh bill of talent, with one of the most iconic performing artists of all time headlining: Grace Jones. Joining Grace are Laura Mvula, Kwabs, The Noisettes, Loyle Carner, Goldlink, Joe Kay, The Whooligan, Hannah Faith, Eden Hagos, MNEK, Lady Leshurr, Skinny Girl Diet, Jorja Smith, Big Joanie, Nova Twins, The Connectors, Mikel Ameen and more across the day. On top of this, there’ll be the SpinThrift Market hosting traders who make bespoke goods, crafts, and textiles, plus a curated food truck rally, pop up restaurants, arts and more.
An icon at the heart of the art, fashion and music worlds across four decades, Grace Jones will headline the first AFROPUNK London with a cosmic performance. Since the seventies Grace has carved her path as a true creator. Birmingham signer / songwriter Laura Mvula joins, her rich tones set for a soul-searching show. Neo-soul comes from South-London boy Kwabs, and energetic indie-punk from The Noisettes reunion. Rising star Loyle Carner adds a thoughtful, unplugged element, whilst rapper Goldlink’s electronic-infused hip-hop sounds make a welcome US addition.
Soulection members Joe Kay, The Whooligan, Hannah Faith and Eden Hagos all step up to represent eclectic hip-hop beats, plus super-producer and London local MNEK will bring a twist of all things electronic to Alexandra Palace. One of the leading lights in the MC game, female rapper Lady Leshurr brings bars for days, then punk spirit shines through on Stage Three with Skinny Girl Diet, Big Joanie, Nova Twins and the The Connectors plugging in across the day. Also announced are emerging London songstress Jorja Smith, and rap protege Mikel Ameen. All this on top of the already massive bill, including SZA, Akala – B.A.D, Dreadzone Riddim Section – Don Letts, Benjamin Booker, GAIKA, Ho99o9, Purple Ferdinand, NTS Radio + more.
AFROPUNK’s message is about “POWER TO THE PARTY,” encompassing education, political awareness and self-empowerment. Respect, breaking down stereotypes, and celebrating individuality are key to the AFROPUNK ethos, and it’s a ‘safe space / no hate’ zone for creativity. London’s first edition will welcome souls from all cultures and backgrounds for a day of positive energy and next-level entertainment. Get a feel for the AFROPUNK spirit by checking the video here.
Party is an oxymoron, it’s a gathering of many for a shared purpose and it’s also an outcast individual, it’s a lively social occasion as well as a gang – and the story of any party is never over, because like naked cities and the metaphysical “I”, there’s always another take.
Power to the Party means trusting the friction, the transference of great capacity to the free spirit, belief in the high-heeled spark of the assembly, and the group mind’s ability to choose a glorious path. This isn’t about getting elected, or being protected; it’s about staking a claim. Join the party and feel its power.
A special homecoming for Hackney born AFROPUNK founder Matthew Morgan, London’s edition is one that’ll be significant for the festival organisers. On top of the music across the day, Alexandra Palace will play host to a vibrant space filled with artists, designers, exhibitions and food vendors, who’ll host a full agenda of extra activities. Attendees are encouraged to jump in and become a part of the AFROPUNK community through on-site pop-ups, art and stalls – it’s about creating an extended family of AFROPUNK with a united voice to be heard and celebrated. Partners for the UK’s first year include pioneering radio station NTS Radio, CRACK and a special stage partner TBA. On-site arts, stalls, food, DJ sets and extra’s to be announced in the coming months. Learn more at the AFROPUNK website: afropunkfest.com/london/
Freedom of expression, whilst honouring the power of individuality is encouraged.
POWER TO THE PARTY – SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER – SOON COME
TICKETS : £55 from http://gigst.rs/APLDN16
New additions : GRACE JONES – Laura Mvula – Kwabs – The Noisettes – Loyle Carner – Goldlink – Joe Kay – The Whooligan – Hannah Faith – Eden Hagos – MNEK – Lady Leshurr – Skinny Girl Diet – Jorja Smith – Big Joanie – Nova Twins – The Connectors – Mikel Ameen
FULL LINE-UP
Grace Jones
Laura Mvula
WORD SOUND POWER feat Akala, B.A.D/Dreadzone & Don Letts
SZA
Kwabs
Benjamin Booker
The Noisettes
Loyle Carner
Goldlink
NTS Radio
Soulection
Joe Kay
The Whooligan
Hannah Faith
Eden Hagos
MNEK
Lady Leshurr
GAIKA
Ho99o9
Skinny Girl Diet
Jorja Smith
Purple Ferdinand
Big Joanie
Youth Man
Nova Twins
Vodun
The Connectors
Mikel Ameen
+ much more TBA
AFROPUNK LINKS : sign up | facebook | twitter | instagram
AFROPUNK London
Saturday September 24th
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Maps : goo.gl/maps/4wEozHJntw12
