Essence Music Festival | |
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![]() En Vogue performing on the main stage at the Essence Music Festival | |
Genre | R&B • Soul • Funk • Gospel • Blues • Hip-Hop • Jazz • Reggae • New Jack Swing |
Dates | 4 July weekend |
Location(s) | Caesars Superdome New Orleans, Louisiana |
Years active | 1995–2019, 2021 (virtual)– |
Attendance | 500,000 |
Website | Essence.com |
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is the largest African-American culture and music event in the US.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The annual music festival started in 1995 in New Orleans, Louisiana to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine. The festival features artists simultaneously performing on a main stage as well as four standing-room only stages.
In 2006 it was held in Houston, Texas, due to Hurricane Katrina's effect on New Orleans, and the 2020 festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A spinoff iteration of the festival was held in Durban, South Africa in 2016. In 2013, Solomon Group became the producer of Essence Festival,[8] and MSNBC broadcast the event live.[1][9] MSNBC returned for the 2014 festival.[10] Much of the 2017 film Girls Trip was filmed on location during the 2016 festival, casting over 5,000 extras.[11] In 2022 The Walt Disney Company served as the exclusive entertainment sponsor.[12]
Concert line-up
[edit]2001
[edit]- Angie Stone
- Bilal
- Brenda Russell
- Carl Thomas
- Clarence Carter
- Destiny's Child
- Donald Harrison
- Eric Benét
- Erykah Badu
- Irma Thomas
- Jeffrey Osborne
- Jill Scott
- Joe
- Kelly Price
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- Patti Austin
- Patti LaBelle
- Rebirth Brass Band
- Solomon Burke
- Steel Pulse
- Steve Harvey
- Teena Marie
- The Dells
- The O'Jays
- The Roots
- The Whispers
- Tower of Power
- Vintage
- Yolanda Adams
- Zion Golan
2002
[edit]- Al Green
- Alicia Keys
- Angie Stone
- Average White Band
- Babyface
- Big Al Carson
- Brian McKnight
- Cedric the Entertainer
- Denise LaSalle
- De La Soul
- Etta James
- Faith Evans
- Femi Kuti
- Friends
- Gerald Levert
- Glenn Lewis
- India.Arie
- Kindred the Family Soul
- King Floyd
- Luther Vandross
- Mary J. Blige
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- Me'Shell Ndegeocello
- Mike Phillips
- Myself
- Oleta Adams
- Rahsaan Patterson
- Steve Harvey
- The Brothers Johnson
- The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley
- The Ohio Players
- The Roots
- Tom Joyner & the Morning Show Crew
- Tyrone Davis
2003
[edit]- All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross
- Anita Baker
- Ashanti
- Biz Markie
- Bobby "Blue" Bland
- Chaka Khan
- Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers
- Dianne Reeves
- Doug E. Fresh
- Dwele
- Erykah Badu
- Faith Evans
- Gerald Levert
- Groove Theory
- Heather Headley
- Jaguar Wright
- Jaheim
- Jamie Foxx
- Keith Sweat
- Kelly Price
- Kindred the Family Soul
- LL Cool J
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- Michael Franks
- Mo'Nique
- Musiq Soulchild
- Nappy Roots
- Patti LaBelle
- S.O.S. Band
- Smokey Robinson
- Stevie Wonder
- The Bushwhackers
- The Gap Band
- Third World
- Will Downing
- Yolanda Adams
2004
[edit]- 112
- Anthony Hamilton
- Chanté Moore
- Common
- Dazz Band
- Dionne Farris
- Donnie McClurkin
- Freddie Jackson
- Gladys Knight
- Irma Thomas
- Kem
- Kenny Lattimore
- Lalah Hathaway
- Ledisi
- Little Milton
- LL Cool J
- Mary J. Blige
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- Millie Jackson
- Morris Day & The Time
- New Edition
- Ohio Players
- O'Jays
- Prince
- Rebirth Brass Band
- Sinbad
- Solomon Burke
2005
[edit]- Alicia Keys
- Aretha Franklin
- Black Eyed Peas
- Bobby Blue Bland
- Carl Thomas
- Destiny's Child
- Doug E. Fresh
- Fantasia
- Floetry
- Jamia
- Jeffrey Osborne
- John Legend
- Kanye West
- Lionel Richie
- Lyfe Jennings
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- Me'Shell Ndegeocello
- Mint Condition
- Mo'Nique
- Regina Belle
- Ruben Studdard
- Slick Rick
- Talib Kweli
- Teena Marie
- Terrence Blanchard
- The Roots
- The Wailers
- Vivian Green
2006
[edit]- Bobby Brown performed alone and with New Edition
- Brand New Heavies
- Cedric the Entertainer
- Charlie Wilson
- Chris Brown Missed flight so did not perform.
- Doug E. Fresh
- Earth Wind & Fire
- Goapele
- Jaheim
- Jamie Foxx
- Keyshia Cole
- Kindred the Family Soul
- LL Cool J
- Loose Ends
- Mary J. Blige
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- Michael Ward
- Mo'Nique
- Musiq Soulchild
- New Edition
- Rebirth Brass Band
- Slick Rick
- Steve Harvey
- Toni Braxton
- Yolanda Adams
Dres of Black Sheep (and some other rappers) turned up for impromptu performances during Doug E Fresh set.
Venue: Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas
2007
[edit]- Angie Stone
- Anthony David
- B-Legit
- Barack Obama
- Beyoncé
- Chanté Moore
- Ciara
- Chris Brown
- Common
- Cupid
- Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley
- Jermaine Paul
- Kenny Lattimore
- Kelly Rowland
- Kindred the Family Soul
- LeVert
- Lionel Richie
- Ludacris
- Lyfe Jennings
- Mary J. Blige
- Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
- MC Lyte
- Mint Condition
- Najee
- Ne-Yo
- Nuttin' But Stringz
- Pieces Of A Dream
- Public Enemy
- Rachelle Ferrell
- Rahsaan Patterson
- Rebirth Brass Band
- Robin Thicke
- Roi Anthony
- Ruben Studdard
- Smokie Norful
- The O'Jays
- Slum Village
- Solange Knowles
- Steve Harvey
- Sunshine Anderson
- Vanessa Bell Armstrong
2008
[edit]All Star Tribute To Patti LaBelle A celebration of Patti LaBelle featuring original LaBelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx - Kanye West - Chris Brown - Rihanna - J. Holiday - Peabo Bryson - Angie Stone - Mint Condition - Grandmaster Flash - Terence Blanchard - Big Sam's Funky Nation - Rebirth Brass Band - , Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Ruby Amanfu and more - Jill Scott - LL Cool J - Musiq - Lyfe Jennings - Solange - Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra - Marva Wright - Cupid - Karina - Bamboula - Kermit Ruffins' tribute to Louis Armstrong - Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - Mary J. Blige - Chris Rock - Keyshia Cole - Morris Day & The Time - Chrisette Michele - Estelle - Raheem DeVaughn - Gil Scott-Heron - Irma Thomas - Preservation Hall Jazz Band's Gospel Revival - Nicholas Payton - Christian Scott
2009
[edit]Beyoncé - John Legend - Ne-Yo - Salt N Pepa - Eric Benet - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Solange - Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars - Keri Hilson - Marva Wright - Big Sam’s Funky Nation - Preservation Hall Jazz Band Revue - Dwele - Maxwell - Anita Baker - Robin Thicke - Charlie Wilson - Jazmine Sullivan - Ledisi - Janelle Monáe - Zap Mama - Irvin Mayfield - Little Freddie King - Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - Lionel Richie - Al Green - Teena Marie - En Vogue - Raphael Saadiq - Lalah Hathaway - Melanie Fiona - Ryan Leslie - Blind Boys of Alabama - The Knux - Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave All Stars - Rebirth Brass Band - Laura Izibor
2010
[edit]Janet Jackson - Charlie Wilson - Raphael Saadiq - Monica - Chrisette Michele - Irma Thomas - Arrested Development - Big Sam's Funky Nation - Mary Mary - Irvin Mayfield & The NOJO - WAR - Little Freddie King - Alicia Keys - Gladys Knight - LL Cool J - Keri Hilson - Laura Izibor - Sam & Ruby - De La Soul - Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers - Mint Condition - Joe - Rebirth Brass Band - Earth Wind & Fire - Mary J. Blige - Jill Scott - Trey Songz - Estelle - Hot 8 Brass Band - Lalah Hathaway - Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk - Ruben Studdard - Melanie Fiona - PJ Morton Band - Soul Rebels Brass Band
2011
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/88/EMF_Logo_2011.jpg/220px-EMF_Logo_2011.jpg)
Usher - Charlie Wilson - Jennifer Hudson - Fantasia - Boyz II Men - Macy Gray - Dwele - Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle - Mint Condition - Soul Rebels Brass Band - Tank - Miguel - Mavis Staples - Irma Thomas - Kanye West - Jill Scott - Chaka Khan - El Debarge - Eric Benet - Morris Day & The Time - Stephanie Mills - Naughty by Nature - To Be Continued Brass Band - Mary J. Blige - New Edition - Trey Songz - Loose Ends - Hal Linton - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic - Rebirth Brass Band - Kelly Price - Vanessa Bell Armstrong - Trin-i-Tee 5:7 - Brian Courtney Wilson - MC Lyte - Doug E. Fresh - Hot 8 Brass Band
2012
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6d/EMF_2012_Logo_b.png/220px-EMF_2012_Logo_b.png)
Diggy Simmons - OMG Girlz - Coco Jones - Square Off - Charlie Wilson - D'Angelo - Trey Songz - Keyshia Cole - The Pointer Sisters - Marsha Ambrosious - Kindred & The Family Soul - Vivian Green - Stephanie Mills - Gary Clark Jr. - Rebirth Brass Band - SWV - Goapele - Mary J. Blige - Kevin Hart - Ledisi - Mary Mary - Tank - Eric Roberson - Teedra Moses - The Stylistics - Robert Glasper - Dru Hill - Big Sam's Funky Nation - Chaka Khan - Aretha Franklin - Anthony Hamilton - Fantasia - Kirk Franklin - Syleena Johnson - Faith Evans - KeKe Wyatt - Nicci Gilbert - Melanie Fiona - Carl Thomas - Alex Boyd - Eve - Estelle - Luke James - Raheem DeVaughn - Bridget Kelly
2013
[edit]Beyoncé - Brandy - Maxwell - New Edition - Charlie Wilson - Keyshia Cole - St Beauty - Daley - LL Cool J - Malu Music - Maya Azucena - PJ Morton - Roman GianArthur - TGT - Trey Songz - Alice Smith - Bridget Kelly - Deep Cotton - Emeli Sandé - F. Stokes - Janelle Monáe - Jill Scott - Kourtney Heart - Leela James - Luke James - Mia Borders - Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs - Simphiwe Dana - Anthony David - Big Daddy Kane - Bilal - Blackstreet - Chrisette Michelle - Faith Evans - Jody Watley - Les Nubians - Marsha Ambrosious - Mint Condition - Rachelle Ferrell - Tamia - Biz Markie - Brass-A-Holics - Carla Ferrell - Cupid - Doug E. Fresh - Gina Brown - Greta Prince - Mike Swift - Solange - Stooges Brass Band - Nephew Tommy - Tweet - Water Seed
2014
[edit]Prince - Nas - Janelle Monáe - Nile Rodgers - Mary J. Blige - Jill Scott - The Roots - Ledisi - Tank - Lionel Richie - Charlie Wilson - Erykah Badu - Jazmine Sullivan - Jesse Boykins III - Tevin Campbell - K. Michelle - Tamar Braxton - Trey Songz - 112 - Alice Smith - August Alsina - Big Sam's Funky Nation - Daley - Day26 - Doug E. Fresh - Elle Varner - Estelle - George Tandy, Jr. - Greta Prince - Jagged Edge - Kelly Prince - Kevin Ross - King - Kourtney Heart - Leela James - Liv Warfield - Marsha Ambrosius - Michelle Williams - Naughty by Nature - Raheem DeVaughn - Robert Glasper - Sebastian Mikael - Sevyn Streeter - Stephanie Mills - SWV - Tevin Campbell - The Original Pinettes Brass Band[13]
2015
[edit]Usher - Missy Elliot - Kendrick Lamar - Mary J. Blige - Kevin Hart - Erykah Badu - Common - Maze Feat. Frankie Beverly, Charlie Wilson, India.Arie, Kem - Trey Songz - Adrian Marcel - AverySunshine - Lecrae - Doug E. Fresh - Grapple - Kelly Price - Kindred Te Family Soul - Luenell - Nico & Vinz - Slick Rick - Beenie Man & The Zagga Zow Band - Bilal - Elle Varner - Esperanza Spalding - Emily's D+Evolution - Kool Moe Dee - Mali Music - Mystical - Raheem DeVaughn - Sevyn Streeter - Tank - The Bangas - Tonya Boyd-Cannon - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - Floetry - Andra Day - Dee-1 - Dumpstaphunk - Eric Roberson - Jeff Bradshaw - Lianne La Havas - Mase - Robert Glasper - SZA - Tendra Moses - Tweet
2016
[edit]Reference:[14]
Main Stage
Friday: Estelle, Faith Evans, Tyrese, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, New Edition, Maxwell
Saturday: Jeremih, Common, Charlie Wilson, Mariah Carey
Sunday: Andra Day, Ciara, Puff Daddy & The Family, Kendrick Lamar
Superlounges
Friday: Digable Planets, Daley, Eric Bellinger, Lion Babe, The Internet, Tweet, Estelle, Mali Music, V. Bozeman, Kelly Price, Zakes Bantwini, Sky Wanda
Saturday: Doug E. Fresh, Tink, Jidenna, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, Lalah Hathaway
Judith Hill
Wizkid, Lady Leshurr
Sunday: MC Lyte, Dej Loaf, Cyril Neville, Leon Bridges, Kehlani, New Breed Brass Band, Robert Glasper, BJ the Chicago Kid, The Brand New Heavies, Little Simz
2017
[edit]Diana Ross - John Legend - Mary J. Blige - Chance the Rapper - Solange - Chaka Khan - Jill Scott - Master P - Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - India.Arie - Monica - Jazmine Sullivan - Mystikal - Silkk the Shocker - Mia X - Rhonda Ross - Ari Lennox - BJ the Chicago Kid - Daley - Doug E. Fresh - Elle Varner - Emily Estefan - Gallant - Jhené Aiko - June's Diary - Kelly Price - Lalah Hathaway - Leela James - Lizzo - Michel'le - Moses Sumney - PJ - PJ Morton - Remy Ma - Ro James - Shaggy - Sir the Baptist - Teyana Taylor - The Jones Girls featuring Shirley Jones - Tweet - Yuna - Heels over Head (SA) - Rafiya - DAVE Everyseason - Lydia Caesar - Napoleon da Great - Cymphonique Miller - Yazz - Xscape
2018
[edit][15]
Main Stage
Friday: Doug E. Fresh with special guest Mia X, Ledisi, Miguel, Snoop Dogg, The Roots curation featuring Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and more
Saturday: Doug E. Fresh with special guest V. Bozeman, Xscape, Queen Latifah presentsLadies First: with special guests Missy Elliott, Remy Ma, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, Brandy, and more, Mary J. Blige
Sunday: Doug E. Fresh with special guest Ashanti, Teddy Riley New Jack Swing Experience: featuring Wreckx-N-Effect, Blackstreet with Dave Hollister, Guy, Kool Moe Dee, SWV and more. , Fantasia, Janet Jackson
Superlounges
Friday: Lloyd, H.E.R., Damien Escobar, Kelly Price, The Internet, Tweet, Estelle, Mali Music, V. Bozeman, Kelly Price, Zakes Bantwini, Sky Wanda
Saturday: Doug E. Fresh, Tink, Jidenna, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, Lalah Hathaway
Judith Hill
Wizkid, Lady Leshurr
Sunday: MC Lyte, Dej Loaf, Cyril Neville, Leon Bridges, Kehlani, New Breed Brass Band, Robert Glasper, BJ the Chicago Kid, The Brand New Heavies, Little Simz
2022
[edit]- Chloe x Halle[16]
- Debbie Allen[16]
- Isley Brothers[17]
- Lucky Daye[17]
- New Edition[17]
- City Girls[17]
- Ghostface Killah[17]
- Janet Jackson[16]
- Patti LaBelle[16]
- Stephanie Mills[17]
- Nicki Minaj[17]
- Raekwon[17]
- The Roots[17]
- Jazmine Sullivan[16]
- Tems[17]
- Carl Thomas[17]
- Summer Walker[16]
- Ashanti
- Nas
- Method Man
- Lil Kim
- The Lox
- Mickey Guyton
- El DeBarge
- Wyclef Jean
- Lauryn Hill
- Doug E. Fresh
- Dru Hill
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "MSNBC at Essence Festival: a view from Studio Square | MSNBC". Tv.msnbc.com. 2013-10-13. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Street closures possible downtown during Essence Fest, city officials say". Nbcnews.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ "MSNBC to Broadcast Live from 2013 ESSENCE FESTIVAL". Tv.broadwayworld.com. 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Essence Music Festival with Mary J. Blige". The New York Times. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Essence, MSNBC Team For 2013 Fourth Of July Weekend Festi | Shadow and Act". Blogs.indiewire.com. 2013-05-20. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "On the Concert Stage Bet Festival Offers a Broad Brand Experience". The New York Times. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "2007 Essence Music Festival 'Coming Home' to New Orleans July 5, 6, 7". Crt.state.la.us. Archived from the original on 2010-12-04. Retrieved 2007-04-17.
- ^ "Essence This Time: A Festival Evolving". NPR.org. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
- ^ Whitaker, Morgan. "Steve Harvey talks success and manhood at Essence Fest". MSNBC. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Growing Hope at the ESSENCE Festival™". MSNBC. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Casting for 'Girls Trip' During Essence Fest". Central Casting. 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
- ^ Osbourne, Aussie. "Walt Disney To Be Exclusive Entertainment Sponsor Of 2022 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture". Aussie Osbourne. Aussie Osbourne. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
- ^ "Essence Festival 2014 - Artist Schedule | Essence.com". Archived from the original on July 19, 2015. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Essence Fest 2016: See the day-by-day lineup". Nola.com. April 20, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
- ^ "Essence Festival: 2018 Nightly Concert Lineup Announced". App.com.
- ^ a b c d e f "How Patti LaBelle Commanded the Essence Festival 2022 Stage With Just One Louboutin". Vanity Fair. 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Muhammad, Latifah (2022-06-29). "Essence Festival 2022: Where You Can Buy Tickets Before They Sell Out & How to Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
External links
[edit]- 2020 Essence Festival of Culture July 1 - 5, 2020
- 2017 Essence Festival Concerts Tickets, Parties and Events Guide in New Orleans, LA
- Essence Music Festival 2010 Review by UnRated Magazine
- Essence Fest Holds a "Coming Home" Party
- Reviewing the Essence Festival's First 20 Years
Media related to Essence Music Festival at Wikimedia Commons