Music / NewsGrace Jones replaces M.I.A. as Afropunk headlinerAfter backlash surrounding the rapper’s comments about Black Lives Matter, the festival have announced the legendary pop musician for their debut London eventShareLink copied ✔️July 19, 2016MusicNewsText Selim Bulut Days after M.I.A. was dropped as a headliner from Afropunk London, the festival have announced that she will be replaced as headliner by the legendary Grace Jones, who will also be joined by a score of new names including Laura Mvula and Lady Leshurr. Afropunk has run many successful events since debuting in Brooklyn in 2005, but their first London outing has been plagued by controversy since they first announced M.I.A. as headliner. The Sri Lankan artist had previously made comments perceived to be critical of the Black Lives Matter movement. Back in April, M.I.A. told ES Magazine, “It’s interesting that in America the problem you’re allowed to talk about is Black Lives Matter. Is Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar going to say Muslim Lives Matter? Or Syrian Lives Matter? Or this kid in Pakistan matters? That’s a more interesting question.” She later clarified her comments, writing, “I’m not Muslim. My question was, on American platforms what do they allow you to stand up for in 2016?” Many threatened to boycott the festival if M.I.A. was not removed. The rapper tweeted last month that she wouldn’t be performing (“If pulling the show saves the cause and lives then that’s what I’ll do”), but Afropunk maintained that she’d be playing until earlier this week, when they issued a statement saying that “after discussing the situation with the artist and the community, a decision was agreed upon by all involved that M.I.A. will no longer headline”. The full lineup for Afropunk London, which takes place on September 24th at London’s Alexandra Palace, includes SZA, Loyle Carner, Gaika, Don Letts, and many more. Check out the full lineup here, and revisit Dazed’s interview with Grace Jones. People get ready! AFROPUNK LONDON, @Miss_GraceJones headlines + much more! Sept 24 Tickets: https://t.co/LReZZXlPjppic.twitter.com/A2zAPdNlfe— AFROPUNK (@afropunk) July 19, 2016Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingThe 5 best songs from Drake’s new albums (plural) We listened to all two hours and 40 minutes of Iceman, Habibti and Maid Of Honour, so you don’t have toMusicMusic‘On his Temu era’: The internet reacts to Drake’s three-album drop UGGFashionUGG is bringing the sun to London – here’s how to get involvedLife & CultureThere is nothing more romantic than friendshipArt & PhotographySex, Clubs, Dissent: This photo book presents a history of queer nightlifeFashionWhy is Americana everywhere right now?Beauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaBeautyNude awakening: Meet the young people embracing naturismLife & CultureIs veganism a privilege? Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy