Culture, Music, & Empowerment
Celebrating 30 years, the Essence Festival of Culture is returning to the city that hosts its best, New Orleans. With less than a month away, this anniversary year of the festival is set to be one for the records. Held from July 5 through the 7th, here's what's in store.
Of course, many of the usual fan favorites are returning to the Big Easy, including the events held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The various seminars, shows, and experiences at the Convention Center include Essence Authors, Beautycon, the Community Impact Hub, Essence Wellness House, The Mens Experience, and much more.
The fest is also bringing back the Essence Film Festival and Afropunk Blktopia.
The Essence Festival Concert Series
In celebration of the fest's 30th year, there will be extraordinary performances by some Essence Fest regulars, including Janet Jackson, and a tribute performance with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, who often performed at Essence Fest in the past.
Other headliners include Birdman, who's presenting the 30th anniversary of Cash Money Records, and Usher, who is celebrating 20 years of his unforgettable hit album, Confessions.
Here are some of the other performers expected in the Caesar's Superdome by night.
Friday, July 5th
Birdman with Cash Money Records, Raphael Saadiq, The Roots featuring Mickey Guyton, Ari Lennox and T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Jacquees, and more.
Pretty Vee and Punkie Johnson, with DJ Raj Smoove, will host Friday night.
Saturday, July 6th
Usher, Charlie Wilson, D-Nice featuring Sheila E, Big Boi, Donell Jones, Tweet, Lloyd, and Machel Montano, TGT (Tank, Ginuwine, Tyrese), Ayra Starr, and more.
Saturday night will be hosted by Kenny Burns with DJ Clark Kent.
Sunday, July 7th
Janet Jackson, Victoria Monet, SWV, Tank & the Bangas, Teedra Moses, HaSizzle, Dawn Richar, Frankie Beverly featuring Maze, and more.
Keke Palmer and Big Tiger will host Sunday night with DJ Beverly Bonds.
For
more info and ticket sales please visit, essence.com/festival2024.
