The Essence Festival is finally here! The New Orleans-based weekend festival is the culmination and celebration of black culture at its finest.
Essence Fest encompasses it all with the inclusion of the Film Festival, Beauty Carnival, House of Wellness, Celebrity Zone and much more taking place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
The weekend’s late-night festivities kicked off Thursday night with Kevin Hart’s “Reality Check” tour. The weekend’s late-night festivities will continue with headlining from Nicki Minaj on Friday, Janet Jackson on Saturday and New Edition on Sunday. Minaj will be joined by Beenie Man, Machel Montano, Kes and Mickey Guyton.
On Saturday, Janet Jackson will be joined by Summer Walker, Carl Thomas, Stephanie Mills, Lucky Daye and a special set of D-Nice & Friends.
New Editions closes on Sunday for the weekend with Isley Brothers, The Roots, Method Man, Lil Kim, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, City Girls, Tems and Wizkid. The concerts can also be streamed on Hulu.
In a summary of the words of the CEO of Essence, those outside the diaspora are free and welcome to be apart, but make no mistake, we do not settle for anyone to feel comfortable. This is an unapologetic black family reunion.
Essence partners include Coca-Cola, North America, AT&T, The Walt Disney Company, Ford, McDonald’s and Target.
“So as we embark on the nation’s largest festival by day of attendance, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is honored to return with a family of partners with whom we are aligned in mission and purpose, now and in the future,” he said. CEO Caroline Wang.
Stay tuned throughout the weekend for more details and all things Essence Festival!
