Music, identity, freedom,  and radical self love were on full display at this year’s AFROPUNK Brooklyn. Inside, photographer Saphir Niakadie spoke to some of the attendees to get a feel for why they attend the 2-day festival and what keeps them coming back. 

 

Travel Noire: Why did you come to AFROPUNK?

@Indigoluna_ “This is what I needed! This culture, this beauty, this inspiration. It’s beautiful and I love it!” 

From: Georgia 

Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie

 

 

TN: What keeps you coming back? All the way from Seattle? 

@ooowhasdat@heavywet: “Nourishment for our souls! We are limited in the north west and AFROPUNK is all we need. We are definitely coming back next year and aiming for AFROPUNK joburg as well!”

From: Seattle

Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie

 

TN: Why AFROPUNK Brooklyn?

@Redheadhipsterr: “I love the vibe everyone is beautiful and confident. This is my 3rd year! my homegirl put me on she’s been to all 6!”

From: Connecticut 

Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie

 

TN: Have you been to AFROPUNK before and why did you decide to come all the way from Cali?

@ambivurt: “It’s my first time here and I want to be around people like me in a place that is safe. Heard about it through Instagram or tumblr for years but I finally made it!”

From: California

Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie

 

TN: From what you have experienced thus far, what does AFROPUNK represent to you?

@simply.baz: “Community, diversity and there is an energy that Afropunk gives you. There is no other type of environment like it. I am a first timer and I will absolutely be coming back next year.”

From: Houston

Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie

 

TN: What keeps you coming back to AFROPUNK?
@artofmere_ : “It’s a celebration for me, for those of us who were taken from Africa. So our ancestors are are celebrating right now seeing us together like this.”
From: (Florida) lives in Philly
Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie
afropunk brookly
Photo courtesy of Saphir Niakadie

 

All photos courtesy of Saphir Niakadie.

You can find more of her beautiful work on Instagram: @__saphir