The event had everything, from different fashion to colour, right down to great musical live acts. All of these different elements contributed to provide a spectacular event that, despite the heavy rainfall, literally lit up the Joburg CBD. We unfortunately weren’t there for Day 1 but Day 2 more than made up for it and that was the day when all the major acts performed with a mix of both local and international hitting the stage with our standouts being Thandiswa, Phuzekhemisi, The Internet and Kaytranada. The perfect way to wrap up 2018 and usher in 2019.

To get a picture of what went on, checkout some of the videos the AfroPunk guys were cool enough to share with us from both days.

Day 1:

Day 2:

This was just a taste of what went on and we can’t wait to checkout the next installment coming towards the end of this year. Great music mixed with equally great performances complete with great company made for a fantastic experience…our thanks to the AfroPunk team.

“We are proud to host the AFROPUNK Festival again and to take courage in the power of the collective – it is only by standing together that we can continue to change the world,” said CEO of Constitution Hill Dawn Robertson.

Communities in Joburg — Maboneng, Braamfontein, Newtown — and all of Joburgers fiercest and brightest are invited to join AP ARMY for a day of action and service on 15 December 2018. This gathering will serve to unite neighbors and help build stronger community ties with the common goal of authentic urban renewal and revitalizing shared public spaces around the symbolic Constitution Hill site.

The day’s activities will include: painting, rubbish and graffiti removal and refurbishing discarded facilities. All participants who attend and enthusiastically participate in the day’s activities will receive ONE (1) General Admission weekend ticket to attend AFROPUNK Joburg 2018 on 30 and 31 December 2018! People must register to attend. Space is limited and you can sign up here.

The theme at the AFROPUNK Joburg festival this year is THE PEOPLE RESIST, a call to action against racism, patriarchy and any form of hate. AFROPUNK Joburg will feature Kwesta, DJ Maphorisa, Thandiswa, Moonchild Sanelly, Phuzekhemisi, Ready D, The Internet, Thundercat, Flying Lotus, Kaytranada, Muzi, Azagaia, YoungstaCPT, Dope Saint Jude, FAKA,  BBZ, Big Freedia, Nomisupasta, Automatic Live, Azagaia and BCUC. Anais B, TYGAPAW, K-$, DJ Coco.em, Deniece Marz and Phatstoki will be on the decks.  Tickets are available via AFROPUNK Howler.

The AFROPUNK SOLUTION SESSIONS programming will be presented in collaboration with Red Bull Amaphiko from 12:00 to 17:00 on the 28th and 29th of December.

Special guests for the 2018 conversations include: Two of the co-founders of the American based Black Lives Matter Global Network — artist and organizer Patrisse Cullors, and writer, organizer, public speaker Alicia Garza. Thami Kotlolo, founder of the Thami Dish Foundation that mentors and educates young LGBTI leaders, LGBTI Theater Activist and performer, Thokozani Ndaba. Filmmaker, writer and organizer from Detroit, Dream Hampton. Self-proclaimed mayor of South African street culture — entrepreneur, host, and content creator, Frypan. Youth activist, facilitator, and project manager for Africa Matters Initiative, Aluwani Ramarumo.

Black Lives Matter has grown from a hashtag to one of the most influential social justice and resistance movements in the world today. BLMGN is partnering with AFROPUNK Joburg in celebration of the social justice organization’s Fifth Anniversary.

Discussion topics will include youth resistance, radical self-care, male and female gender roles and communication, and LGBTQ+ cultural community conversations.

“AFROPUNK is more than a music festival – it represents a fusion of cultures, languages and colours from all around the world. It is a transformative festival that reminds us that we all belong; that there is so much more that unites us than divides us. It provides the platform for expression of a shared vision – of a world free from racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, homophobia, fatphobia and hatred.” added Roberston.

AFROPUNK takes place annually in London, Paris, Brooklyn, Atlanta and, since 2017, Johannesburg. Launched in 2005, the festival revolves around an influential community of young people of all backgrounds, interested in music, art, film, lifestyle sports, fashion, photography and more. They are the influencers, creatives and tastemakers once seen as outsiders, but who now directly affect pop culture.