“The largest FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY gathering of Black, Afro-Caribbean and Diasporic families in the country made history again. This year featured The Afro-Diasporic Convention “AFRO-CON”, an immersive 3-Day experience featuring some of the top Black leaders, voices and influencers in tech, gaming, health and well-being, arts, agriculture, education, and politics.”
BeREGGAE Festival 2021 took place in Piedmont Part August 13th – 15th. The festival kicked off Friday with Afro-Con panel discussions, djs, kids play zone, huge vendor/food market and multiple stages. The main stage was hosted by Dres Tha Beatnik. Afrobeat artist 2Baba was one of the music headliners. Raheem The Dream and Kilo Ali also performed a throwback Hip Hop set with Atlanta legend DJ Kizzy Rock.
Day 2 of the festival was just as dynamic. There was a wonderful turnout. It was so good to see so many families and music lovers enjoying and dancing to great music from the African diaspora. A rain delay didn’t even damper the mood as attendees hung around. The music headliner was reggae legend Junior Reid. The crowd erupted in applause when Junior walked onto the stage to “This Is Why We Hot” Remix. His set was full of energy as her performed to a packed crowd. His set included many of his hits including ‘One Blood’. His daughter Kimio joined his on stage and performed with him.
Day 3 – Several DJs were spinning music from all parts of the workd and kept the crowd dancing and singing. DJs on the main stage included DJ Kemit, and DJ Emp Love. The crowd enjoyed the smooth sounds of Tiffany Goode & The Goode Experience and the wonderful sounds of Moroccan singer and percussionist, Hassan Hakmoun and his band. Mumu Fresh was the music headliner on the final evening of the festival. She performed with a full band including two background singers. Mumu performed several crowd favorites. One of my favorite songs was ‘Reparations’ during which two dancers joined her onstage. The song was very uplifting.
This was the first time that I attended BeREGGAE, but it most certainly won’t be my last. It was great to be able to enjoy music from so many parts of the African diaspora surrounded by such a wonderful sense of unity.
Carolyn is an Atlanta based concert, portrait and event photographer. She’s a self taught photographer who was born and raised in Philadelphia.
