Afropunk @ Printworks (22-23 Jul)

Afropunk, a triumph of multiculturalism and diversity for people of all races, genders, colours, creeds and tastes recognised for defining culture in the music world for over 14 years,  returns to  the city’s freshest venue – Printworks after last year’s inaugural opening.

From its origins in Johannesburg, and moving through New York, Atlanta and Paris Afropunk London will see grime, punk, hip-hop, soul, reggae, roots, and pop genres carefully and tastefully blended by artists old and new in an exciting weekend of musical originality.

See founding father of grime and BBK original JME rep for London talent, an artist who has driven grime from its London basements to the forefront of UK popular music.

Also on the bill is soul-folk fusionist Lianne La Havas who brings her trademark delicate sound, so expect to her trademark songs like ‘Forget’ or ‘Is Your Love Big Enough’.

Another heavy hitter lined up to play is Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B, a leading light in British black music who won an award for ‘giving black British music a soul of its own’.

US tastes are catered for with Detroit native Danny Brown, one of the most unique, challenging faces in hip-hop today.

Fresh from releasing ‘Drunk’, Thundercat will bring a blend of fresh jazz beats, whilst the incredible Willow Smith will make a rare UK appearance.

Rapper, actor and slam poet Saul Williams is also scheduled to play and will as always lay down an awesome ground shaking performance.

London’s neo-soul sensation Nao is another fans favourite set to play, along with fellow songstresses Corinne Bailey Rae and future-soul prodigy Connie Constance, whose dream-like vocals have tipped her as a future one to watch.

Another Londoner who is rising to the top is MC Little Simz. Also performing are Nadia Rose, multi-media artist, rapper Kojey Radical, Big Freedia, Sate, OBGM’S, Mahalia and Black Orchid .

There will also be DJ sets  from the likes of Jazz Re:Freshed, party crews Blacktronica, FAM and Gal-Dem an all-female collective.

With pop-ups, art , stalls and a marketplace, concert goers are encouraged to be part of Afropunk’s extended family and let the brands slogan of ‘We The People’ resonate loudly throughout East London.

22-23 July, Printworks, Surrey Quays Rd, SE16 7PJ £45-£120 http://afropunkfest.com/london/ for details and full line up.