GloRilla, Summer Walker, Muni Long, Maxwell, and Boyz II Men are part of the inaugural group of modern stars and icons set to perform at the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, this annual celebration of music and culture is scheduled for July 4-6 in New Orleans.
Alongside the previously mentioned artists, the roster of headliners and performers also features Davido, Nas, The Isley Brothers, Donell Jones, Buju Banton, and New Orleans’ own Master P. Both Banton and GloRilla will make their ESSENCE Festival debuts. Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Jermaine Dupri will host a tribute to the enduring legacy of the versatile industry figure Quincy Jones. Dubbed “ESSENCE Flowers,” Dupri’s tribute will “assemble artists who’ve sampled, learned from, or collaborated with the music legend,” as stated in the press release.
The theme for 2025, “We Are Made Like This,” coincides with the festival marking the 55th anniversary of its namesake, ESSENCE magazine. The evening concert series will be hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, alongside cultural curator Kenny Burns.
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A blend of new and returning lifestyle experiences will complement the weekend’s diverse offerings. Highlights include the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, ESSENCE Film Festival, BeautyCon, and ESSENCE Authors.
To commemorate its 30th anniversary last year, the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture featured an extraordinary performance by Usher, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, showcasing his iconic 2004 album Confessions. Participants also enjoyed performances from Janet Jackson, Victoria Monét, Charlie Wilson, Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires, along with a tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
