India Arie And More Take The Stage at Afropunk’s Black Herstory Live at Lincoln Center
Image Courtesy: Afropunk/Dennis Manuel
Afropunk has become known for its inclusivity. Its motto, NO Sexism, Racism, Ableism, Ageism, Homophobia, Fatphobia, Transphobia, or Hatefulness, underscored a weekend devoted to elevating Black & Brown women. Over the course of two days, AP delighted its festival-goers with a Free open-air market in the afternoons rich with black-owned women-led vendors/businesses. In the evening, UMI, Mereba and Danielle Ponder delivered powerful performances and India Arie close out Saturday's show
Mahogany L. Brown hosted evening who greeted the lively audience with words of affirmation. Followed by choreographed dance sets by Ebony Williams. Aja Monet lulled the theater into a trance with poems that asked, "Why can't you love me proper?" Sh ended her set with a line from June Jordan, “sometimes I am the terrorist I must disarm.” Reminding the audience that change must begin from within.
Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist Celisse kicked off Saturday’s concert. With her guitar in hand, she transitioned from rock to blues to r&b. Celisse ended her time on stage flawlessly covering Bill Withers's "Use Me" in a color-blocked pink and brown suit, long waist-length braids flying through the air during her guitar solo.
Image Courtesy: Afropunk/Miguel Maldonado
Danielle Ponder from Rochester, NY, formerly a public defender, decided at 35 to pursue her true passion, singing. At 39, she signed her first record contract, and at 41, she performed on Jimmy Kimmel. She left a message with the crowd to never give up on dreams. She then sang a powerful rendition of "Creep" by Radiohead.
Mereba stunned in an all-white dress. Her smooth melodic sounds filled the theater as she effortlessly transitioned from “Rider” to “HeatWave.” Also performing notable tracks like "Sandstorm" and "Black Truck" to name a few. She also debuting a new song performing it for the first time ever live.
Then there was India Arie. She walked softly onto the stage with a smile and regality. She began her "songversation" (what she affectionately calls her performances) by sharing very personal news concerning her health. Tearfully she continued while dabbing her eyes. The rest of her performance was as vulnerable and heartfelt as her admission. Addressing through song and images projected on a screen her fight with Spotify and wanting her music catalog removed due to racist comments made by Podcaster Joe Rogan. Through her continued efforts she informed the audience of her success with the streaming giant. Spotify has removed episodes of Rogan's podcast containing racist language as well as pledging 100 million in funding black-led podcasts, thanks to her fight. Her performance was uplifting and inspirational. India closed out her show with her hit record “Brown Skin” and a solo flute performance.
AfroPunk’s first-ever BLACK HERstory, an event closing out Black History Month and serving as a perfect segue into Women’s History Month, was a success and the start to what is sure to be a busy year of events for the traveling festival.
Image Courtesy: Afropunk/Miguel Maldonado
