AFRAM: A ‘Big Black Baltimore Family Reunion’ Personified

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has called AFRAM a “big Black Baltimore family reunion,” and that’s exactly what transpired on Juneteenth weekend of this year.

For its first in-person celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the AFRAM festival was able to fill two days with community, music, arts, food, good times and good feels for residents and businesses.

For it to be the first AFRAM in person for a few years, and the first AFRAM for myself in a while, I genuinely saw and felt this calming spirit amongst fellow Baltimoreans. From arriving early and seeing people walk in, going to the front of the stage and spreading out from there, taking seats on the hill and finding shade and community, stopping at the local food trucks and playing games; it felt like a moment of peace and a resemblance of old Baltimore had been sequestered and captured for a moment in time.

The “young head Saturday” and “old head Sunday” motto was in full effect with Saturday performers being Ne-Yo, Young Bleu, Inayah, while Sunday performers included El DeBarge, Le’Andria Johnson, Rotimi and the headliners of the festival, The O’Jays. 

The local rappers, singers, instrumentalists and artists of different mediums also showed up and showed out as well, receiving love from their people. A kind of love that can only be felt in your hometown. Both days had something for everybody, regardless of age, race or sexual orientation.

Inayah was the first national act on Saturday and her mic was on!

The R&B songstress had fans singing her songs from the front of the stage to the open area of the event. She worked the entire stage and made her way into the crowd, connecting with the people on a more personal level. She walked through, still singing and holding notes. Inayah even gave the people some good ole dancing/twerking. Being carefree and enjoying herself, it was clear the energy she was exuding was being reciprocated by the crowd. She even celebrated having her first gold record, independently at that.

Ne-Yo ended Saturday night with a set that ran through all the hits and previewed some new ones from his upcoming “Self Explanatory” album. With a band, four dancers, a mic and one of his famous fedoras, Ne-Yo gave energy from the moment he stepped on stage until the very last note of the night. Of course, he ran through hits like “Closer,” “So Sick,” “Do You,” and more, but he also ran through hits he wrote and co-wrote for others as well. He sang songs with Keri Hilson, “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé, and even sang “Let Me Love You” by Mario (with the help of Baltimore).

On Sunday, Le’Andria Johnson blessed the stage with her powerful vocal range singing for the Lord. Multiple people in the audience got emotional throughout, and there was a moment The singer walked into and throughout the audience, engaging with literally everyone. Hugging people while also singing directly to them, she was able to touch souls in a different way.

Despite some technical difficulties, El DeBarge was able to put on a show from beginning to end based on fan love and musicianship. When he had issues with the mic, he played his keyboard, in tune, and the audience helped keep the moment going by singing every word. Performing “I Like It,” “All This Love” and a variety of hits while also mixing in “One More Chance” by Biggie. While He may have had a backing track, El DeBarge performed with just his voice and his keyboard; no live band. For his entire set, 

Rotimi gave energy on top of energy. From jumping on speakers, going into the audience multiple times,  dancing across the entire stage and showcasing his Nigerian culture. Rotimi gained new fans throughout his performance and maintained the old ones. He even provided a history lesson on his song “In My Bed,” which samples The Fugees’ “Ready or Not.”

The O’Jays closed out Sunday night, which was one of the group’s final performances. They’re currently on their last tour as a group with multiple decades and hits under their belt. Although Eddie Levert was not in attendance due to COVID-19, the group rest assured that he was better and in good spirits. With a full band, background singers and two mics, the group was able to put on a full performance in pristine cream-color suits while still hitting choreography. The group’s style has been a staple throughout the years and it’s something they made sure to continue on the final legs of performances together.

AFRAM is more than just musical acts, it incorporates many elements of Baltimore and the culture within it. Local Black and women-owned restaurants and AFRAM have partnered together for AFRAM Restaurant week. AFRAM also provided grants to nonprofit and community organizations with existing and established Juneteenth events.

AFRAM, a Black festival in a Black city with Black artists and support, has been a staple in Baltimore for years. For its in-person return, they provided a sense of carefree joy within its experience. To be moved to Juneteenth weekend and during Black Music Month, the festival was able to make a successful mid-COVID-19 pandemic shift, and provide a much-needed outlet in the city.