2022 Baltimore AFRAM Day 2 Recap
After a successful first day back at AFRAM, it was now time for part two, which we would like to call Soulful Sunday.
With the weather once again being anointed by God, it was only right that the event was opened up with a few local church choirs, bringing in the praise and worship. Season three winner of BET’s Sunday Best Le’Andria Johnson brought us a blessing and a word that we didn’t know that we needed. During what pretty much could have been her sermon, Le’Andria shared a testimony that on her way to the festival, she had been shaken by some outside entity that essentially was the Devil trying to interrupt her spirit, but knew that her God wouldn’t let him steal her joy. As she kicked off her heels, she made her way down into the crowd because she could feel that she wasn’t the only one who needed a healing.
The organizers brought out the heartthrob of many young 70’s/80’s babies, with the inclusion of El DeBarge in the line up. Some folks like to say that light skinned brothas are out, but judging by the way the women in the crowd were swooning and almost losing their minds, that couldn’t be the furthest from the truth as Mr. DeBarge still captured much of the essence that made him a force during his prime. Pulling no cut cards and going straight into his bag of hits, beginning his set with “Rhythm Of The Night”. In the midst of his set, he started to experience some minor technical difficulties with his sound, but as the consummate professional that he is, was able to forge through and keep it rolling. That’s honestly the characteristic that separates the greats from the average, not the fact that you get hit by adversity, but how you overcome it.
For anyone who has ever been to a concert, you know that things get real when an artists gets behind a keyboard. As he sat down at his Yamaha, we were taken on a musical journey that placed me right back in my childhood, to a time when life was so much simpler. Hearing “All This Love“, “Time Will Reveal“, “I Call Your Name“, “I Like It” and “Love Me in a Special Way” live sounded great and let everyone see that he’s still out here letting his talents shine bright.
The man that the ladies call Mr. Buttascotch, Rotimi, brought a different kind of heat to the festival. With Sunday being geared more towards the older generation, he breathed a breath of youthful air and energy that helped propel the show forward. Initially running out on the stage in a pair of custom slacks and long blazer, Rotimi gave the women exactly what they wanted when he took the jacket off and stood on the speaker shirtless. Since this IS AFRAM, it was more than appropriate that the Nigerian singer took us across the globe musically with many of his singles that feature an international sound, like the singles “Love Riddim“, “Weapon” and “Love Somebody“. The biggest connection with the AFRAMILY was made when he dropped his biggest hit to date “In My bed”, which prompted him to jump off the stage and run in the audience to help him finish singing the song.
Resident party rocker, DJ Tanz took to the stage and made sure that the good vibes kept flowing before the main headliners show. If you’ve NEVER been to an old school Baltimore party, then you probably wouldn’t understand THIS level of partying, as our local DJs are truly one of a kind.
For as long as AFRAM has been in existence, our next and final act of the night, have been trailblazers in the music industry, so it was only right that the minute that they announced they were on their farewell tour, that the organizers snagged them to come close out the final night in Baltimore. The Mighty O’Jays don’t really need an introduction with over 65 years in the business and countless hit records that not only our mommas, but our momma’s mommas jammed out to. As they walked out on stage in their signature dapper style of being suited down, they wasted no time taking the top off of their discography with the 1973 song “Put Your Hands Together“.
Even though they sounded amazing, it was instantly noticeable that only two members appeared on stage opposed to three. We were blessed with Walter Williams Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant’s presence, but where was Eddie Levert Sr.? Eventually it was revealed to us that he was not in attendance due to battling COVID-19, so many prayers go out to him that he’ll be healed soon and back on the road to share his gift. Despite Mr. Levert not being around they were still able to give the people what they wanted, for an hour and a half, with the help of Nicholas Davis. His soulful and filling baritone voice gave new life to classic hits “I Want You Here With Me“, “Backstabbers“, “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby” and “Sunshine“.
One of the most emotion filled moments was during a mashup of “Stairway to Heaven”/”Prayer”, where it felt like we were being taken to church! There has to be an extra special shoutout to the ASL interpreter, Billy Porter who was in tune with almost every lyric, and giving his own personal show off to the side of the stage, so much so, that Eric Grant had to go over and vibe with him. For their encore, they forged through a medley of up-tempo songs “Used Ta Be My Girl” and “For The Love Of Money” that showed off the syncopated choreography they have been known for. As darkness drew over the park, the final song of the night to take us all home was the whimsical “Love Train“. Tears could be seen falling from longtime fans, as this would probably be their last time seeing them together as a group.
This entire event was full of emotional rush ignited by an enormous musical wave that touched the soul and in return brought out more soulful melodies because the artists and audience fueled each others inner fire, which enhanced the thrill of what a music festival should be. For anyone who underestimated this event and all the amazingness it had to offer, you really missed out. You can not beat these type of opportunities where you get free access to performers you’d usually have to pay Hundreds of dollars to get half as close to. Next year’s event will be just as awesome than this year’s.
