New York City hosted its 4th annual Afro-Latino Festival this weekend at Bed-Stuy’s Restoration Plaza. Celebrating the African diaspora in Latin America, festivities were at an all-time high, surrounded by great vibes and even greater music. Rain or shine, people from all over—young and old—came to dance the days away to the sounds of afro-caribbean, rumba, reggae, salsa, bullerengue, hip-hop and more.
Maluca Mala, Nickodemus, Tito Puente Jr. and Los Rakas were only a few of the many talents that contributed to this year’s festivities. Among the all-star list of performer’s were the Puerto Rican dynamic duo, Nina Sky, who took us all the way back to ’04 with their closing performance on Day 2 of their hit songs “Move Your Body” and “Oye Mi Canto.” Fly as ever, the identical twins put on an equally stellar performance of their newest single “Champion Lover”, for which a music video is currently being prepared.
A photo posted by Nina Sky | Nicole and Natalie (@yourfavoritetwins) on
“It’s super exciting to be invited to perform here celebrating diversity” said Nicole. “And performing with so many other talented acts—like we’re excited to share the stage with Maluca and Tito Puente Jr. and Geko Jones. It’s really cool,” continued Natalie.
The fun and edgy pair were smiling from ear to ear throughout the night, enjoying samosas and happily frolicking with friends and family, including fellow performer and Dominican singer Maluca Mala. To the sisters, celebrating their diversity as Puerto Ricans meant celebrating who they are.
“Being Latino to us means having a little more flavor than everybody else,” said Nicole Sky. “That’s definitely what it means, and I mean for us being Latino means being super family oriented,” added Nicole. “I feel like that’s a very big part of being Latino, being super family oriented.”
A photo posted by Maluca Mala (@malucamala) on
Being that the annual event is meant to celebrate Afro-Latinidad and its diversity, both Maluca and Nina Sky took it upon themselves to speak out on a pressing matter involving police brutality and the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
“We have a message of unity. I think it’s very powerful for everyone to unite,” said Nicole, “and love each other, support each other,” added Natalie. “Stand for what’s right; you shouldn’t be afraid to stand for what’s right. It’s very powerful to stand up for what’s right and speak on [what’s wrong] and [not] be afraid to talk about the important issues,” continued Nicole.
The 2016 Afro-Latino Festival happened to take place in the aftermath of this year’s #AltonSterling and #PhilandoCastile killings by law enforcement, which prompted a renewed frenzy of outrage from coast to coast.