Baltimore AFRAM is one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast. Every summer, the free event takes place in the 745-acre urban oasis of Druid Hill Park. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people arrive at the park ready to hear national and local acts, eat good food, purchase artwork, and dance.
This year, AFRAM took place on Juneteenth weekend, June 21 to 22. In the days before the event, there was palpable and growing concern about the high temperatures. On Friday, June 20, organizers announced that the festival would continue, with the city implementing precautions like cooling stations.
Despite the heat, the city still showed up.
Saturday’s energy was celebratory and high octane. There were performances by local legends like Lor Xay Xay, DJ Boobie and the TSU Dance Crew, Mighty Mark, and the Bmore Than Dance Crew and national headliner Big Daddy Kane.
DJ Trigga & Friends, Mic L Shawn, and Hadiya set things off on the Roots & Family Stage,
while Busta Rhymes closed the day off with a fierce, furious, champagne-soaked performance.
On Sunday, the main stage began with praise and worship, including gospel offerings by Pastor Sandra Morgan-Holley, Bishop Durant K. Harvin III, and Jocelyn Christian.
Crystal Waters gave an electrifying performance with two backup dancers. Her 1991 hit single, “Gypsy Woman,” is a house music anthem produced by Baltimore’s house music supergroup The Basement Boys.
AFRAM is about Black joy, celebration, history, and heritage. Baltimore club music was honored last year at AFRAM, but this year house music took center stage. This year, the world is celebrating the 40th anniversary of house music, and Baltimore innovators were honored for their profound influence on the genre.
After a set of performances, DJs Teddy Douglas, Thommy Davis of The Basement Boys, and Wayne Davis, owner of the Paradox nightclub, as well as several other Baltimore house music history makers, were honored on stage by Mayor Brandon Scott.
Sunday’s performances included DJ Jay Vibez, Eze Jackson, and State Property. Mya performed a melodious R&B set, and Morris Day & The Time closed this year’s festival. (Teri Henderson)
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