LOCnificent Fest, a vibrant event dedicated to celebrating locs, natural hair and the culture of the African diaspora, will return to Brooklyn for a two-day celebration on Thursday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 6.
“We are excited to bring LOCnificent Fest back to Brooklyn for another year,” said festival founder and chief executive officer Lovaeta K. Amoako. “We remain committed to inspiring and uplifting the community through our events.”
This year’s theme, Diaspora Connections, will spotlight and celebrate the similarities of the global African diaspora, with support from corporate sponsors Verizon Business, Taliah Waajid Brand and media partner BK Reader.
“We will have a diverse set of performances hailing from Puerto Rico, the U.S., and Africa, to name a few,” said Amoako.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, LOCnificent Fest will commence with a panel discussion and mixer. Titled Pathway to Our Roots and HAIRitage, speakers include Dr. Tsedale Melaku, a sociologist and assistant professor of Management at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College (CUNY); Dr. Ayo Sekai, publisher of UWP Books; Crystal S. Roman, founder, chief executive officer and head writer and producer of the Black Latina Movement; Taliah Waajid, a stylist, cosmetologist and founder of Taliah Waajid Brand, World Natural Hair Show, and Uncle Jimmy Products; Zenda Walker, an author, hair stylist and founder of the consultancy Know Your Hairitage; and Jessyca Marshall, licensed social worker, therapist, natural hair entrepreneur and Microlocs brand creator.
“I wanted to have a space where we could have necessary conversations about hair, identity, hair loss, locs in the workspace and more,” Amoako said.
The panel discussion mixer, hosted by singer, model and stylist Timothy Victor, will take place at Fetés de Fleur, at 110 Rogers Ave., from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. It will include an opportunity to network, dialogue and build community, featuring complimentary drinks and lite bites, and free samples from Taliah Waajid Brand.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, LOCnificent will run from 3:00pm to 9:00pm at the Crown Hill Theatre, at 746-750 Nostrand Ave. The celebration will feature live DJ sets, a hair show and live styling, a vendor marketplace and performances!
Highlights include:
- Locs and natural hair show featuring skilled natural hair stylists - Fajr Wali of Sophisticated Loc Salon, Renata Hall of RK Hair Loft, Ruth Smith of Locsmith Studios, Olivia J. Boyce of Salon Hairarchy, Patricia Othoniel of Suite Lyfe 135, and Thando Kafele - The King of Locs
- Live hair styling and demonstrations
- Free African-inspired face and body painting
- Free product giveaways from Taliah Waajid Brand, Miss Jessie's Original, and Vita Coco
- Diverse marketplace with Black- and Brown-owned businesses featuring over 15 vendors with hair and body products, apparel, jewelry, accessories, food, and more
- Live music, dance, drums and spoken word from performers and DJs representing countries such as the United States, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Nigeria, and Haiti
The LOCnificent Fest will bring together people from across the African diaspora to celebrate their shared experiences, embrace their natural hair and feel empowered. The two-day event aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.
Amoako, who works full-time for the city in the affordable housing sector, said supporting Black businesses and curating a space to celebrate Black culture and hair has now become a calling.
She wants to also highlight the Afro-Latino community, as they are often overlooked.
“Curating an event that everyone will enjoy has its challenges, but so far, it’s been a great experience,” she said, noting that there is now a waitlist for interested performers and vendors who want to showcase their goods.
For details and updates, visit: https://locnificentfest.com. For tickets, visit: https://posh.vip/e/locnificent-fest-60. Follow LOCnificent on Instagram here.
