Afro-Punk

Delving into the various sub-factions of any genre can be an interesting and enlightening affair. Generally speaking, the divisions of a stance, be it social, political or personal, are unusual enough. However, when those groups become even further specialised or segregated to the point of becoming polar opposites within their own community the results can be astonishing. Such is the case for Afro-Punk, an hour-long documentary that strives to expose the trials and tribulations of black punk rockers. The whites fear ’em because they’re black and punks. The blacks disrespect them because they’re punks and not embracing their roots. They regard each other with a speculative eye because their "double deviation” makes them truly unique unless another "afro-punk” shows up at a concert, thereby diluting their originality. Throw in resistance from the opposing (and thankfully obscure/dying) Nazi punk regime and one can see how this collection of music fans take a lot of pointless shit. Informative and sincere, Afro-Punk works wonders at breaking open truths and opinions from its subject. Interviews with notables include the likes of Bad Brains, the Dead Kennedy’s D.H. Peligro and a plethora of scene members past and present revealing their most sincere feelings on being ostracised by family, friends, the public and the scene, their dedication to punk rock as a movement beyond any physical identification/characteristics and their spirit, ethics and hopes. Eventually, the film becomes mired in pointing out the obvious and stretches itself thin while griping more than working towards answers or digging up material from any other stance but all in all, Afro-Punk is a strong eye-opener and teacher as to the difficulties endured by some that most will never understand. Passable extras include performances from independent bands featured.