1. The lineup is always incredible.
This was the first year that I attended BUKU in New Orleans and didn’t even know the festival existed until I saw that Lana Del Rey and A$AP Rocky were performing. Not only did the 2019 lineup feature them but also Louis the Child, Excision, 1788-L, Kevin Gates, and RL Grime as some of the top artists. Along with that, BUKU also brought some up and coming talent such as Roy Blair, Oliver Tree, Doja Cat, Dounia, J.I.D, Toro Y Moi, and Ekali to list a few. In past lineups, BUKU has featured artists such as G-Eazy, SZA, Bassnectar, Travis Scott, Vince Staples, Kid Cudi, and Odesza. One thing that makes BUKU so successful is that the coordinators really listen to what the people want and try to give them the best lineup possible with rap, electronic, pop, and alternative artists.
2. The live art.
Wherever I went, there were artists all around either painting on large canvas, walls, sidewalks, or on easels in the crowd. It was awesome seeing how vibrant and neon everything was too, it made the entire festival seem like a brighter and happier place to be. BUKU also had intricate art installations throughout the venue which could be compared to Coachella’s pop-up arts.
3. BUKU has some really cool stages within the festival.
The main stage is called the Power Plant and has an open and beautiful skyline background behind it. One of my favorite stages was The Wharf which has a riverside viewing and featured some of the biggest electronic talent such as RL Grime, Whipped Cream, and Louis the Child. The ballroom was a nice break for attendees because it was indoor and even has a balcony for those who don’t want to be in the pit. There are three more stages: VIP, Switchyard, and The Float Den. The Float Den featured huge, colorful Mardi Gras floats that guests could take pictures by while The Switchyard was a smaller stage but had live artists surrounding it. Lastly, the VIP is for 21 and older attendees and had private rooftop viewing and special sets.
4. The vibe.
This was my fifth festival that I have attended and probably my first or second favorite. I loved getting to experience the art, music, and be a part of the “BUKREWE”. The BUKREWE is what the festival calls all of its attendees and “believes in those who strive to be dope” and states that, “originality, creativity, freedom, and community is our anthem.” In my experience, this was shown to be absolutely true; there were people in their 60s and teenagers all around, but nobody was judging people on their outfits, age, or gender. It was beautiful seeing the positivity that was shared throughout the weekend and the really promoting healthy vibes.
5. The BUKU Late Shows.
Every night after the festival, there would be late after party shows for people who couldn’t get enough. Every night, the late shows would sell out and people would be dancing to music until four or five in the morning. One of the fastest selling shows was From First to Last which was Sonny Moore’s (Skrillex) band – this was their first show in two years and people from BUKU were the first to see the reunion. BUKU did an excellent job with the lineup but also created an after-party lineup.
BUKU Music and Art Project has become a festival that I plan to attend for years to come. They really believe in radiating creativity, positivity, and safety throughout the festival. The people were incredible, the venue was vibrant, and everyone was able to enjoy the different art that the festival promoted. I loved walking from stage to stage because nothing was ever the same, artists were constantly bettering their pieces, unique outfits everywhere, and incredible visuals for each set. The only thing that would make the festival better is if they offered it for three days rather than two because of how amazing it is. I have never been to a festival that was that bright, happy, and openminded as BUKU. They really stand firm on their beliefs and it shows – I can’t wait to attend again in 2020.
