Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 4 & 5, 2021 – Photo by Isa Barnett © 2021
Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 4 & 5, 2021
A Year For The People.
After over a year of COVID regulations and a week of intense flooding Philadelphia unleashed the most long-awaited, influential festival they have ever thrown. For its tenth year, Made In America came back with full force. As festivalgoers attended the weekend, there was much to talk about and much to do. Headliners were Justin Bieber and Lil Baby, and there were surprise performances by Kid Laroi, Chance The Rapper, Meek Mill and Lil Uzi. Besides the incredible acts that featured the top artists of the year, there was immense focus on change.
Lil Baby – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 4, 2021 – Photo by Tyler Michael DiValerio © 2021
The “Cause Village” featured various organizations – most focusing on incarceration reform and political injustices. Made In America also utilized a security company called “Battle Tested” that only hires veterans and people who have served for the United States. Prioritizing fair wages and opportunities within the company so veterans have the opportunity to grow within the professional field. All in All, Made in America once again curated a well-rounded event that festival goers had been dying to get back to.
Doja Cat – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Tyler Michael DiValerio © 2021
Philadelphia has been through a lot this past year, but the moment of bliss was most definitely Meek Mill’s surprise Saturday performance. His remediation of “Dreams and Nightmares” heightened the night, leaving some fans in tears of joy.
Kehlani – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 4, 2021 – Photo by Tyler Michael DiValerio © 2021
Kehlani’s R&B style simmered the crowd, emulating a euphoric experience as she performed the only non-Hip-Hop act of the evening. Bia performed her viral song “A WHOLE LOTTA MONEY” that fans went wild over at the Tidal Stage. Only an hour after, Pi’erre Bourne turned heads for an energetic performance that caused the crowd to go crazy.
Lil Baby – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 4, 2021 – Photo by Tyler Michael DiValerio © 2021
Megan Thee Stallion caused jaws to drop and booties to pop as she took the Liberty Stage with full force. Lil Baby shut down Saturday night inviting (in his opinion) “the king of Philly” Lil Uzi Vert onto the stage.
Justin Bieber – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Chris Sanchez-Paralta © 2021
Sunday morning the sun rose on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, headliner Justin Bieber caused Philly to go wild with guests such as Chance The Rapper, Quavo, and The Kid Laroi.
Doja Cat – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Tyler Michael DiValerio © 2021
Doja Cat turned the city into a jungle as she decked the stage with nature & hot pink lights, successfully encapsulating the crowd.
Roddy Ricch – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Chris Sanchez-Paralta © 2021
Roddy Rich rocked in a red puffer.
Bobby Shmurda – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Chris Sanchez-Paralta © 2021
Bobby Shmurda made a strong comeback performance after his recent prison release. All artists commanded the attention of the audience better than ever, delivering the audience more energy than they could have ever imagined.
Tinashe – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Tyler Michael DiValerio © 2021
Cause Village demonstrated Made in America as well as Roc Nation’s continuous efforts to give back to the community. Since 2012, the event has generated $135 Million in economic impact for Philadelphia. Partnerships with organizations such as Reform Alliance, ACCT Philadelphia, Gathering for Justice, Black Voters Matter, and many more.
Lil Durk – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Chris Sanchez-Paralta © 2021
Reform alliance was originally founded by Jay Z and Meek Mill, as a grassroots initiative to reform and inform on incarnation. Gathering For Justice takes a similar direction, founded by Harry Belafonte after he witnessed a 5-year-old young black girl being handcuffed in a Florida classroom.
Mariah the Scientist – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Chris Sanchez-Paralta © 2021
Gathering for Justice focuses on youth activism and education. Black Voters Matter are keen on awareness, the fact that “black voters can change any election.” We spoke with PA coordinator Brittany Smalls about the 365 days a year engagement & upcoming election. Besides human rights animals were included as well featuring The ACCT, the only open intake rescue in Philadelphia. Located in North Philly, this organization works on adoption, recuse, foster homes and keeping pets with owners. Open 7 days a week, they offer a pantry system with free animal food to all local residents. Even last week they took in 157 animals in one day. The Cause Village made sure to showcase the power of community and empowerment.
Mozzy – Made in America Festival – Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2021 – Photo by Chris Sanchez-Paralta © 2021
Made In America made sure to recover in a strong way after a year of no live music. Artists not only brought their best performances, but more often than not featured even more acts within the sets. This year was full of surprises, great energy, and power. D’usse – Jay Z’s Cognac brand – provided a luxury lounge that provided a space for creatives to converse and view the main stage. Signature drinks and exclusive apparel were offered to guests. Through Social Justice, Music, and experience; Made in America did not hold back. Philadelphia could not have asked for a stronger comeback event.
The lineup featured:
Saturday
Lil Baby
Megan Thee Stallion
Kehlani, Young Thug
Baby Keem
A$AP Ferg
Griselda
Coi Leray
Morray
Latto
Bia
Fivio Foreign
Kaash Paige
Pi’erre Bourne
Duke Deuce
Maeta
Destin Conrad
Sunday
Justin Bieber
Doja Cat
Roddy Ricch
Bobby Shmurda
Moneybagg Yo
Lil Durk
Tinashe
Freddie Gibbs
42 Dugg
EST Gee
Lloyd Banks
Foushee
Mariah the Scientist
Mozzy
Cazzu
Capella Grey
26AR
Isa Barnett
Copyright ©2021 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: September 7, 2021.
Photos by Tyler Michael DiValerio, Chris Sanchez-Paralta and Isa Barnett © 2021