The 2023 Harlem Festival of Culture, or HFC, has added some hip-hop superstars to its performance roster. The upcoming event will be the first ever iteration of the festival. It will take place from July 28 to 30 at New York’s Randall’s Island Park. The HFC aims to celebrate the richness of black music and culture. Because of this, the event draws inspiration from the historic Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. That was documented in the award-winning film Summer of Soul, which was directed by none other than Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
Yvonne McNai is the co-founder and technical & talent producer of HFC. She expressed her excitement for the festival upon its announcement. Additionally, McNai emphasized its significance in showcasing the diversity and brilliance of black music and culture. Michael L. Bivins from Bell Biv DeVoe served as the festival’s creative director. He highlighted the special connection between the event and the Harlem community. Furthermore, Bivins pointed out his pride in participating and supporting local businesses.
The HFC Has An Impressive Roster
As seen in the graphic above, the HFC will feature performances by many prominent artists. These include Fat Joe, Cam’ron, Ma$e, Teyana Taylor, Muni Long, and Wyclef Jean. Additionally, MC Lyte, a native New Yorker, has been selected as the host of the event, and she expressed how special it was to be part of the inaugural Harlem Festival of Culture. “As a native New Yorker, I’m honored to host the very first Harlem Festival of Culture. [HFC] has planned something special that I think everyone – whether they’re from around the corner, across the country or around the world – will enjoy,” Lyte said.
Co-founder Yvonne McNai went on to underscore the reason for the festival. “Ultimately, HFC is our love letter to Harlem,” she said. “…we’re excited to grow it into a landmark cultural experience that encapsulates all the things that make Uptown the nexus of innovation, cultural expression and a place of true community-building.” Tickets for the Harlem Festival of Culture are now available for purchase on the festival’s official website. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news on the Harlem Festival of Culture.
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