WOW Apollo

A woman is performing on stage, wearing a sparkly outfit and feather boa. She's looking at the audience and holding microphone.

WOW Apollo launched in 2015 at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, bringing WOW’s global message to the soul of American culture. From its very first edition, the Festival became a powerful and necessary platform for women and non-binary people of colour – centring Harlem’s rich legacy of resistance, creativity and leadership.

Image gallery

  • An audience is stood in front of a stage enjoying a show (which is not in view). The image focuses on a group of women who are dancing, smiling, and having a good time
  • Two women sat on stage having a discussion. They are both holding microphones, and the one on the left is currently speaking. They have a table between them with two water bottles.
  • Four people posing for a photo in front of an 'Apollo' backdrop, holding cardboard props; two WOW women of the world signs, one cowboy hat, one oversized pair of sunglasses. They're smiling and having fun.
  • Two women on stage, in front of a screen which says "WOW women of the world festival". The women closest to the camera is speaking, holding a microphone, and pointing into the audience

With Festivals in 2015, 2017 and 2019, WOW Apollo has offered dynamic programming including talks, music, film, poetry, dance, workshops and panels – all rooted in the unique experiences of women of colour in the US. Speakers have included Nobel Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o, Phoebe Robinson (of Two Dope Queens), Olympian Gabby Douglas, actress Gabourey Sidibe, Iyanla Vanzant, Macy Gray, and Women’s March leaders Tamika Mallory and Carmen Perez.

Image gallery

  • A woman stands on stage at a clear podium, speaking into a microphone. Behind her is a projected black-and-white photo of another woman looking off camera
  • Four women sit on red chairs on stage, each holding a microphone. The woman nearest the camera is speaking and looking at the audience.
  • Two women sit on stage holding microphones. The woman nearest the camera is speaking to the audience, while the other looks at her.
  • Five women sit on bright red chairs on stage beneath a projected screen reading ‘WOW Women of the World Festival #wowteensummit’. The woman in the centre is speaking and looking at the audience.

In 2021, WOW Apollo adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic with a virtual edition themed “Black Women Transcending!” This digital festival featured conversations with HBO’s Lovecraft Country award-winning actress Aunjanue Ellis, New York Times best-selling author and co-host of CBS’ The TalkElaine Welteroth; poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni; media personality and author Bevy Smith; motivational speaker, editor and author Harriette Cole; and political and women’s rights activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, with performances by Adeline, Dionne Farris, and many more.

WOW Apollo is more than a festival. It’s a convergence of past, present and future – a tribute to Harlem’s creative legacy, and a rallying call for continued transformation in the face of injustice. It’s a space where art, activism, and sisterhood collide, sparking energy that reverberates far beyond the stage.

About the organisers

The legendary Apollo Theater - the soul of American culture - plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a centre of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.

Find out more

Image gallery

  • Woman with blonde braided hair sings into a microphone, wearing a bright red outfit
  • Five women sitting on stage with microphones, smiling and laughing. One of them is currently talking and looking at the audience.
  • Woman performs on stage in white and red, arms outstretched in a victorious pose, with 'WOW Women of the World Festival' screen behind.
  • Six men sit on red chairs on stage with microphones; the man in the middle is speaking.