The beautiful faces of Afropunk London
- Text by Michael Segalov
- Photography by Jordan Stephens
Born in Brooklyn, 2005, Afropunk isn’t quite like any other festival. A celebration of black culture, whether it be art, fashion, music or beyond, Afropunk’s emphasis on education, empowerment and political awareness sets it apart from corporate sponsored weekenders.
Head down to most major British festivals (read all) and you’ll be struck by just how white the audiences are, a reflection of a music industry in which black voices and faces are all too often marginalised and ignored. Afropunk is a much needed antidote.
With the likes of Grace Jones, Laura Mvula, Kwabs and The Noisettes headlining the various stages erected throughout London’s iconic Alexandra Palace on Saturday for Afropunk’s first visit to London, photographer Jordan Stephens weaved his way through the crowds to capture those embracing and celebrating Afropunk’s London inauguration.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
A timeless, dynamic view of the Highland Games
Long Walk Home — Robbie Lawrence travelled to the historic sporting events across Scotland and the USA, hoping to learn about cultural nationalism. He ended up capturing a wholesome, analogue experience rarely found in the modern age.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rave salvaging toilets for London’s queers
Happy Endings — Public bathrooms have long been contested spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and rising transphobia is seeing them come under scrutiny. With the infamous rave-in-a-bog at an east London institution, its party-goers are claiming them for their own.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Baghdad’s first skatepark set to open next week
Make Life Skate Life — Opening to the public on February 1, it will be located at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the city centre and free-of-charge to use.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Nydia Blas explores Black power and pride via family portraits
Love, You Came from Greatness — For her first major monograph, the photographer and educator returned to her hometown of Ithaca, New York, to create a layered, intergenerational portrait of its African American families and community.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Meet the muxes of Juchitán, Mexico’s Indigenous third gender
Zapotec folk — Having existed since the pre-colonial era in southeast Oaxaca state, a global rise in LGBTQ+ hate is seeing an age-old culture face increasing scrutiny. Now, the community is organising in response, and looking for a space to call their own.
Written by: Peter Yeung
Russian hacktivists are using CCTV networks to protest Putin
Putin’s Jail — In Kurt Caviezel’s project using publicly accessible surveillance networks from around the world, he spotlights messages of resistance spread among the cameras of its biggest country.
Written by: Laura Witucka