BAMcinematek and Toyota present

The 5th Annual Afro-punk Festival

featuring Film, Music, Art, Skateboarding and Independence

July 3 – 8 in Brooklyn, NY

Thanks to BFF, I've been going to AP shows since 2005. Last year I did a feature on the Afro-Punk festival and community for MTV News. It took six months to pull everything together and was a great learning experience. Aside from the opportunity to interview inspiring musicians like Tamar-Kali and Janelle Monae, I was able to meet artists of all mediums and make several new friends. Check out my news brief below and article, then feast your eyes on this year's lineup.

Afro-Punk Festival 2009 Free and open to the public, Afro-Punk Festival 2009 will spotlight some of the most exciting young artists and bands from the US and abroad, presenting live music and films every night throughout the festival, along with several other key events including:

4th July Pure Hell Whole Wheat Bread American Fangs Game Rebellion The Objex Joya Bravo & more

5th July Living Colour Earl Grey Hound Tamar Kali The London Souls Apollo Heights Sabatta & more

6th July Saul Williams Janelle Monae The Dallas Austin Experience Elevator Fight Chewing Pic's Peekaboo Theory Blackie & more The festival will once again feature an eclectic film program, co-curated by BAMcinématek with Matthew Morgan and James Spooner. Like last year, there will be a skate park and Afro-Punk Block Party with DIY vendors. I'm dissapointed that this year's festival won't be national, but considering the economy it's a blessing that this event will be happening again in the first place - and still free to the public! - press release via Girlie Action