For its 30th anniversary, ESSENCE Festival had to go big or go home. Thankfully, organizers chose the former, and they are bringing the star power to the stage and the heat to New Orleans for the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture. Scheduled right after the nation’s July 4th festivities for Friday, July 5th through Sunday, July 7th, this year’s ESSENCE Fest will feature numerous musical performances and memorable moments.
The lineup for the ESSENCE Evening Concert Series, which will take place each night of the festival at the Caesars Superdome stadium, is star-studded and jam-packed to befit this milestone year.
New Orleans’ own Birdman will headline Friday night with a presentation of 30 Years Of Cash Money Millionaires in celebration of the label’s 30th anniversary. Prior to Cash Money taking over, attendees will be treated to performances by Raphael Saadiq; The Roots with Mickey Guyton, Ari Lennox and T-Pain; Busta Rhymes; and Jacquees. The night will be hosted by comediennes Pretty Vee and Punkie Johnson, and DJ Raj Smoove will smoove the crowd.
Usher will do King Of R&B things as the Saturday night headliner. He will perform his iconic set Confessions from front to back during a special one-night-only show to commemorate the album’s 20th anniversary. Leading up to him will be co-headliner Charlie Wilson; D-Nice bringing Club Quarantine Live vibes featuring Sheila E, Big Boi, Donell Jones, Tweet, Lloyd and Machel Montano; a TGT reunion of Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese; and Ayra Starr. Holding it down as host and DJ will be Kenny Burns and DJ Clark Kent, respectively.
Janet Jackson is returning to headline the fest’s final night after setting it off at the 2022 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture during a dazzling display of her talents. Miss Jackson will take a detour to NOLA during her Together Again Summer 2024 Tour to entertain everyone gathered for this celebratory event. Setting the stage for Janet will be co-headliner Victoria Monét; SWV; and Tank & The Bangas with fellow NOLA natives Teedra Moses, HaSizzle and Dawn Richard. Hosts for the big finale will be Keke Palmer and Big Tigger with DJ Beverly Bond set to DJ.
ESSENCE will also pay homage to the living legend Frankie Beverly, who is currently on his farewell tour with his group Maze. The soul music icon – who performed at the very first ESSENCE Music Festival in 1995 and many since – will receive his well-deserved flowers during a tribute performance produced by Bryan-Michael Cox featuring special guests.
Of course, there’s more to ESSENCE Festival than music. Attendees have their pick of expertly curated experiences to enjoy, such as AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA, the ESSENCE Film Festival, the ESSENCE Hollywood House, the author’s pavilion, their food and wine festival, vendors and so much more. And did we mention the brand activations, pop-ups, parties and food? Woo, chile! A time will be had.
If you haven’t already made plans to attend the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture, what are you waiting on? It’s not too late to plan your moves to New Orleans for this July. Festival passes, airplane tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars are still available and waiting to be booked. Visit the ESSENCE Festival website for more information and to purchase three-day weekend packages or single-night tickets on Ticketmaster.
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