Taji’s Mahal – Afro-punk vs. Backstreet Boys

It’s been a music-filled week over at Taji’s Mahal. Last weekend I saw Ninjasonik and the Flatbush Zombies perform at the Afro-punk Festival in Brooklyn. Then on Friday I saw the Backstreet Boys perform on Good Morning America. Below are a bunch of similarities and differences that I noticed between the two events and their attendees.

People were generally more badass at Afro-punk.

And definitely had more “swag” when it came to getting chicks.

Both had a sense of humor and looked like they were having a good time… or trying to.

I’m not sure who was more fucked up, though.

The kids at Afro-punk looked like they could beat up the adults at the Backstreet Boys show.

See what I mean?  I couldn’t help but think that this kid was totally content leaning against this tree, tweeting about the Boys instead of actually watching the stage.

I didn’t notice any freebies being tossed out when the Backstreet Boys were playing, but someone did manage to snag a bagel.

Before Erykah Badu’s performance at Afro-punk, there was a hype woman ranting about the youth and the power of the millennial generation. She basically had the crowd by the balls by the time she made it to the end and commanded: “NOW VOTE FOR OUR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!”

The Backstreet Boys concert was a different story. There was a strong Mitt vibe going around.

People came prepared to get down at Afro-punk.

But maybe the Backstreet Boy crowd was a little more diehard.

The rest of the gallery is whatever you want it to be, so enjoy.

Photos and words by Taji Ameen and Jade Katz

@redalurk