AfroPunk Brasil 2026
What’s Good Y’all! While I have been to a few shows in other countries, I have never been to a festival. So it only made sense for me to jump at the chance to attend AfroPunk in Brazil. I remember attending AfroPunk a few years ago in Brooklyn, with headliners like Janelle Monáe, Erykah Badu, and The Internet. The music drew me in, but it was the fashion, energy, and the space it created for Blackness and Black people to shine through that made me want more. Determined to be amongst that energy again, I jumped at the opportunity to experience AfroPunk Brasil, 2026.
Last weekend, November 7-8, 2026, the diaspora came together in a way that felt magical and healing. 65,000 attendees from all over the world traveled to Salvador, Bahia, Parque de Exposições, to enjoy various musical genres, from R&B to Hip-Hop, Soul, and Brazilian Music…Obviously.
Saturday's line included performances from Bahian DJ and producer Telefunksoul, reggae legend Lazzo Matumbi, and Brazilian rapper AJULLIACOSTA. British R&B trio FLO, comprised of Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma, made their debut South American performance, a significant milestone in their career. They also met with their Brazilian fan club, highlighting the group’s growing global influence.
Rapper Emicida and British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith captivated the audience with their unique styles, adding dynamic energy to the festival. Brazilian pagodão artist Edcity Fantasmão closed out the night’s performances, sharing the stage with the iconic Paredão sound system.
Sunday’s lineup continued to impress as DJ Belle kicked off the show, setting the stage for NandaTsunami, a rising star in Brazilian rap. Her set, infused with a mystical vibe, featured songs from her growing catalog, and the crowd sang along to her hit “PITTY.” Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil made his AFROPUNK Brasil debut following his Tempo Rei tour.
I was so stunned to see American artist Kelela. Her signature fusion of alternative R&B and electronic music, praised by my cousins down south, took me by surprise! Meanwhile, rapper Criolo treated fans to a special set honoring his album 'Nó na Orelha'.
The most anticipated performance of the weekend was from Grammy-winning R&B singer Kehlani. I knew her song ‘Folded’ was a hit in the United States, but I had no clue my girl was making international waves with such an iconic track! Donning the Brazilian flag colors, green and yellow, Kehlani, an Oakland native, delivered an unforgettable set. Creating a cross-cultural exchange, Kehlani showed love for the R&B that paved the way for her, seamlessly mixing classics like “Full Moon” by Brandy and “I Get Lonely” by Janet Jackson (just to name a few) into her set. She also showed even more love for Brazil by inviting modern Black Brazilian artists Ludmilla and Duquesa.
If you missed this year, no worries, because of the record-setting turnout, organizers have already confirmed dates: November 6th and 7th for AfroPunk Brasil 2027.
Hopefully, I will see you there!
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