This post is really about how these four Nigerian women slayed at the Afro Punk Fest, Joburg, but let’s start with the “what the h*** is Afropunk?” question you have at the back of your mind. 

So you all know how the punk culture is seen as a “white” thing, often associated with tattoos, piercings, leather jackets and spiky hair?

Well, this African American tattoo artist found himself in the punk scene and delved deep into the punk culture. He decided to create a community where African American black people could express themselves the best way they knew how.

Prior to Afro-Punk, the black punk scene was non-existent. There have always been black punk artist such as Death, formed in as far back as 1974, and Bad Brains, formed in 1977. However it was difficult finding a community of like-minded black punks who were ready and willing to discuss the harsh realities of being black and loving “white music.” 

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog. Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog. AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you. – culled from afropunk.com
 

Afro punk currently holds in four cities, Paris, Brooklyn, Atlanta, London and Joburg. From 30th- 31st December, 2017 the first Afropunk festival held in Africa at the Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg. It did not go without controversy as Solange who was on their line up, cancelled for medical reasons. Festival goers were demanding refunds but that clearly did not happen.

Too gorgeous!L-R Bolanle, Kehinde, Arese and Kiitan

The festival seemed like tons of fun and some Nigerians were ably present at the festival! T.V presenter Bolanle Olukanni, Author Arese Ugwu, Beauty entrepreneur Kehinde Smith and Beauty blogger Kiitan.Aall brought their SLAY game to the festival. They amplified the saying “Naija no dey carry last”. We loved getting all the inside scoop of the festival through their social media platforms.

Too much sauce! Source: @kehinde_smith (instagram)

Sources: @bellanaijaonline, @kiitana, @kehinde_smith, @smartmoneyarese, @bolanle and @somesolutions.