Weather Halts Afropunk Debut

Organizers broke the news Oct. 1, explaining “site operations and build have been greatly impeded due to heavy rains throughout the week, with more inclement weather in the forecast for the next several days.

“These unfortunate and challenging circumstances are preventing us from presenting a world class experience that measures up to our reputation and providing a safe, welcoming environment for all involved,” according to a statement.

Festival founder Matthew Morgan added that safety is the top concern for the festival and “over the course of the past 10 years of Afropunk’s existence, there has never been a serious injury on site and we plan to keep it that way with this tough decision to cancel the fest.”

Artists that were scheduled to play the event included D’Angelo and the Vanguard, Flying Lotus, Santigold, Tyler The Creator, Death Grips, and Public Enemy.

The fest wasn’t a complete wash. Volunteers in a program called the Afropunk Army completed several community service projects prior to the event including tree planting, promoting bicycle use and supporting the LGBT movement. Refunds were offered at point of purchase.