The 2023 Essence Fest is Officially Over: If You Did Not Attend, Here's What You've Missed
It's a wrap! The 2023 Essence Festival of Culture has ended, and it's safe to say that this year's fest was one for the record books. With a focus on hip-hop's 50th birthday, the fest left no stone unturned as they represented everything from the hip-hop roots of the Bronx to the rap influence of the dirty south to the female MCs who changed the game for women around the world.
Along with an amazing line-up of hip-hop legends, this year's Essence Fest included a number of international stars while also including performances and appearances from local favorites like Hasizzle, Big Freedia, VScript, and many more. With the new Vice President of Essence Festival of Culture, Hakeem Holmes, being from New Orleans, there was much effort put into having a variety of authentic local experiences while also highlighting local talent.
One way the festival continues to do this is by bringing back the Essence Fest Family Day, which is held at the Louis Armstrong Park, the day after the festival. This year the very local line-up included The Batiste Brothers, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Flagboy Giz, the Soul Rebels and more.
While the nighttime concerts are amazing to experience, the Essence Festival of Culture has much more to offer. Not only are there a plethora of daytime entertaining activities from brunches to day parties, there are also many educational experiences including the Global Black Economic Forum, the ESSENCE Girls United, and the recently added ESSENCE In His Zone: Men's Experience.
Along with all of the amazing experiences and opportunities, there were also many surprises at this year's festival.
Daytime Events: At the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
One of the biggest surprises happened Friday evening during the Global Black Economic Forum where Vice President Kamala Harris joined lawyer, journalist, author, and television host Sunny Hostin on the Headquarters Stage and provided attendees with insight into the fight for reproductive freedom.
On the same day, Oprah Winfrey joined Essence Ventures President and CEO Caroline Wanga for a Chief to-Chief conversation. This was followed by a discussion of the nearly 40-year legacy and impact of The Color Purple featuring Blitz Bazawule, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Fantasia Barrino.
During the days after, there were appearances by Coco Jones on the Beautycon stage and Rick Ross in the Mens Experience. There were also appearances from Tiffany Haddish, Rosario Dawson, and other cast members spotlighting The Walt Disney Studios' upcoming film Haunted Mansion with special footage and an in-depth discussion at the ESSENCE Studios Film Festival.
Nighttime Events: At The Caesars Superdome & More
With all of the events happening during Essence fest weekend, the highlight of the experience comes at night with the three day concert series at the Caesars Superdome. This year's headliners included Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, Megan Thee Stallion, Wizkid, and after a bit of controversy, the festival gave local hip hop giant Juvenile his spot on the Superdome stage where he gave an amazing performance. With the absence of the Super Lounges, the festival has now added more artists to the mainstage. And while this year was all about hip hop, festival goers were graced with a variety of amazing performances and musical talents.
During night one, while Lauryn Hill closed the show, concert-goers also enjoyed a performance by Hip-Hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh which included Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS-One and Slick Rick. Other performers included Janelle Monaé, Tobe Nwigwe, Jagged Edge, Ari Lennox, and Juvenile.
On the second night Missy Elliot killed it. Everyone was out of their seats as she performed through her extensive resume of hits. While Missy is the first female in Hip-Hop to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, she wasn't the only artist to rock the stage that night. Concert-goers were also graced with the soulful presence of Ms. Jilly from Philly, Jill Scott along with performances from Monica and Coco Jones.
The night also included two special hip-hop celebrations representing the music of California along with the music of the dirty south. The West Coast All-Stars performance included Ice Cube, DJ Quik, Ice T, Yo-Yo, Lady of Rage, J.J. Fad, and E-40. While Jermaine Dupri specially curated a "The South Got Something to Say'' set with ATL performers, including Ludacris, T.I., Gucci Mane, Lil Jon, and Big Boi.
The final night in the Superdome was all about the ladies. Headlining that night was Grammy Award winning female hip-hop sensation Megan Thee Stallion. And while she gave an amazing performance, she would not be standing on that stage if it wasn't for the female performers who came before her, no pun intended.
Prior to Megan, Essence Fest debuted their first-ever all-female Hip-Hop lineup. Hosted by radio icon Angie Martinez, the festival celebrated the women who changed the face of Hip-Hop and influenced culture with performances by Eve, Salt-N-Pepa, Remy Ma, Trina, and New Orleans' very own Mia X.
There were also performances by Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Tems. But the surprise performance that stole the show was by New Orleans' own, best rapper alive, Lil Wayne.
Outside of the Superdome there were after shows, nightly parties hosted by Afropunk and Ascendance, club nights and shows at the Metropolitan, along with a number of other events.
While it's time to say goodbye to the Essence Festival of Culture 2023, next year's 30th year celebration is just around the corner. So, see you in 2024!
