When Erykah Badu headlines the two-day alternative global music fest in Brooklyn next month food, fashion, and a cavalcade of diverse attractions will accompany the first lady of Neo Soul.
Her entre will mark the return of Afropunk to Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell when Bric Arts Celebrate Brooklyn in collaboration with Blktopia present the borough’s biggest eye-candy display of Black culture.
Badu’s been there before, as a matter of fact it’s her trifecta and like Grace Jones, Janelle Monae, Sza, Lenny Kravitz, George Clinton, Damian ‘Junior Gong’Marley, Jaden and Willow Smith, Solange Knowles, Macy Gray, Soul II Soul, Jill Scott, Bootsy Collins, India Arie, and others who took style to unprecedented heights of notoriety, she will add her own political imprint to stage this year’s theme.
“A celebration of the future of Black life, creativity, community, and expression reimagined,” is the messaging to highlight pop, r&b, funk, neo-soul, house music, jazz, reggae and musical hybrids enhanced by their genres.
The return to Prospect Park inscribes the 19th year of alternative soul sessions.
Initiated at Brooklyn Academy of Music, the annual has journeyed to Commodore Barry Park as well as other venues in US cities and internationally to Paris, France, London, England, Dakar, Senegal, and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Its travels seem to amplify an intent to appeal to  diverse audiences with a purposeful emphasis on exalting the African community.
If ever Black lives mattered it will be Aug. 24 and 25 when a full lineup showcases the creatives.JA Consulate Will Not Continue Gala Independence Tradition This YearThere was a time when the former Americana Hotel hosted Jamaica’s most formal gala. Diasporans anticipated the summertime celebration as a testimony to the island’s fortitude and perseverance in maintaining self-governance. The most prominent band on the island often entertained savvy patrons who secured a ballroom to share a common sense of purpose.
Throughout the years, with numerous changes in stakeholders, the island’s consulate inherited the salute.
However, from that diplomatic portal a statement from Consul General Alsion Wilson expressed regret at the cancellation of the “cherished event.”
Originally slated for Aug. 19 at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel where Prime Minister Andrew Holness along with dancehall reggae performer Shaggy, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and others were expected to tout merits of the island’s sustainability, a disappointing release stated: “we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.”