Fans cheer and celebrate an electrifying performance by electronic producer Kaytranada. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier Media
By Caria Taylor
AfroFuture is more than just a festival — it’s a global movement.
Originating in Ghana, the celebration brings together music, food, art and fashion to celebrate African influence. The two-day festival made its U.S. debut in Detroit on Saturday.
(Editor’s note: AfroFuture was sponsored by Bedrock, which shares the same parent company as the Gilbert Family Foundation, an Outlier Media funder. They had no involvement in any part of the editorial process for this coverage.)
AfroFuture, a two-day festival uplifting African arts and culture, made its U.S. debut in Detroit on Saturday. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaFans light up as rapper Waka Flocka Flame joins the crowd. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaBrothers Ty and T’Challa Henton can’t wait for Nigerian singer Asake to hit the stage at AfroFuture. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaArtist Charity Board gets her hair braided by stylist Niani Barracks, who has been running her own salon, Beaute Anthologie, for two years. The salon now has a physical location in metro Detroit but began as a pop-up at various festivals across the city, including the African World Festival. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaFor Grenaé Dudley, the best part of AfroFuture is seeing so many young people unite. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaBrazilian singer Ludmilla serenades the crowd with her powerful voice over the sound of an electric guitar. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaAfroFuture sponsor Hennessy Cognac amps up the crowd. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaModel Christopher Williams takes pride in his style, crafting outfits that celebrate his self-expression. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaArtist Mohammed Awudu was commissioned to illustrate AfroFuture’s diasporic roots through a mural. Awudu, who is from Ghana, expressed his love for Detroit and the opportunity to create in the city for Detroit’s BLKOUT Walls festival. His story reflects the spirit of AfroFuture itself, where global and local cultures come together in celebration. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaRacquel Duncan designed a full-body durag to celebrate her unique style and identity. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaTombi Stewart is excited for AfroFuture and cherishes all aspects of her work honoring her late husband, Detroit native and influential funk musician Amp Fiddler. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaDetroit-based collective Jerk X Jollof energizes the crowd with their infectious dance moves. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaFans eagerly await the next performer at AfroFuture’s main stage, ready for another unforgettable set. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaKaytranada energizes AfroFuture’s main stage with an upbeat set as fans dance and celebrate his music. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier MediaKaytranada energizes AfroFuture’s main stage with an upbeat set as fans dance and celebrate his music. Photo credit: Caria Taylor/Outlier Media
