The Drexciyan Empire Immersive Experience and Artist Q&A

Presented as part of Detroit Month of Design 2026, The Drexciyan Empire transforms the Afrofuturist visuals and the uniquely Detroit Techno sonic universe of Drexciya into an animated, immersive spatial sound experience.

Conceived by pioneering 1980s Detroit electronic duo, The Drexciyan Empire mythology imagines an underwater civilization descended from the unborn children of African women lost during the transatlantic slave trade. Originally told solely through music, The Drexciyan Empire is a visionary world of resilience, transformation, and possibility - one that became foundational to Afrofuturisim and Detroit techno, inspiring generations of artists and cultural innovators.

More than three decades later, acclaimed visual artist Abu Qadim Haqq, The Ancient, has expanded the mythology through graphic novels and visual art, bringing the Drexciyan world into a new dimension.

Now, the historic Motown Mansion will become the submerged Drexciyan world. Guests will descend into a subterranean aquatic lair featuring spatial immersive soundscapes, and newly created animated film footage.

The experience celebrates Haqq’s latest book release and offers guests an exclusive opportunity to meet "The Ancient", have their books signed, and learn about the legend from the original source.

Featuring renowned artists and collaborators, the event will include a live DJ set by Huey Mnemonic, visuals by New York City’s Mask Consortium, and spatial sound by Weather Citizen, in collaboration with Latona Expansion Group and The Music Origins Project.

An unforgettable journey into Detroit’s most legendary Afrofuturist mythology begins below the surface.