Toyota and Burrell set the vibe for Erykah Badu and other artists at Afropunk

Toyota ‘brought the vibe’ to Afropunk with the all-new Camry SE Hybrid and It’s A Vibe Lounge

By Derrel Johnson
Aug 27, 2024
10:21 am

Afropunk Blktopia took over the Lena Horne Bandshell at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, as part of Brooklyn Information and Culture’s, or BRIC’s, Celebrate Brooklyn! series. The two-day event — which included performances by Erykah Badu, Phunky Nomads, Jenny Hates Techno and Winter Wolf — was one of BRIC’s paid benefit shows that support free programming throughout the year. More than just a music festival, Afropunk Blktopia celebrated Black Pride — or African pride, as was the event’s slogan — with a strong message of unity reflected in both the performances and the event’s atmosphere.

The Toyota Camry “It’s A Vibe” activation was arguably the best, with patrons drawn to the Vibe Lounge — which was located very close to the stage — by the bright red mid-size car and music from rotating DJs.

Toyota “brought the vibe” to Afropunk 2024 with the all-new Camry SE Hybrid and the It’s A Vibe Lounge, Brian Elrod of Burrell Communications Group told rolling out.

“The lounge was a place to rest, recharge, vibe out to music from awesome DJ and engage with the All-New Camry up close and personal,” Elrod said. “Attendees could check out the All-New Camry and ‘check-in’ via a photo and video booth experience that allowed festivalgoers to make memories in the eye-catching 2025 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid. Festival goers who ‘brought the vibe’ received dope Afropunk merch and upgraded VIP seating and more, courtesy of the all-new Toyota Camry.”

The Toyota Camry was expertly transformed into a photo booth by the DMV-based Shelli Snaps. The company’s owner Rishele shared that she was able to turn the car into a photobooth by using two powerful LED lights, a tablet and the use of the photo booth app. Users could then send the photos and videos to their phones, creating a life-long memory of their Afropunk X Toyota Camry experience.

Burrell Communications will return to the New York area for the annual HBCU NY Classic that will feature a college football game between Morehouse College and Howard University at MetLife Stadium; the stadium is the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets. Burrell Communications and Toyota will be there as well.

“If you know YardFest, you know it’s a vibe,’” Elrod said. “This year, Toyota partners with Rock the Bells to bring YardFest to life and set the stage with the all-new Camry front and center. The friendly rivalry between schools and Greek organizations comes to life in a way that’s all love. After the game, Toyota brings a vibe shift to the close out of the weekend as a sponsor of the official afterparty, featuring a performance by the legendary Slick Rick.”