F you were at AFROpunk 2015 you know while music expression was the essential core but layered on top was self expression and style was a universal language : here is what Greg Tate wrote :“You are there to wave your freak flag high,” said Vernon Reid, the chief songwriter of the band Living Colour. “You may be a shame and embarrassment to your parents, but in afropunk you are all good.”

For me it was looking good and feeling good about yourself and expressing it from the stage to the audience iin one long beautiful smile of recognition . Yes it was music that was the reason to be present but just look at Grace Jones singing

Scenes From the Afropunk Festival’s Fancy Ball

Attendees wore jewel-encrusted lapels, masks and floral suits to see Grace Jones perform.

NYTIMES.COM|BY JENNA MAROTTA