Teddy Riley's Star-Studded Essence Fest Performance Was One For The Books

By Sydney Scott · Updated December 6, 2020

Trying to put Teddy Riley’s 2019 Essence Festival performance into words is nearly impossible.

Riley took the stage Sunday night, the final night of the festival, and performed hit after hit with the help of some famous faces.

The iconic producer and creator of new jack swing, headlined the “Legends of Music” segment of the evening, a nearly two hour non-stop extravaganza that featured Timbaland, Pharrell, and Teyana Taylor, to name a few.

The megaproducer also shared the stage with the St. Augustine High School Marching Band, which first made history in 1967, when the band became the first marching band from a Black high school to march in the Rex parade.

One thing’s for sure, Teddy Riley brought the New Jack Swing Era to the Essence Fest stage, and it was an incredible music moment.

Here’s who and what you missed if you weren’t able to make it to Sunday night’s performance.

01

Teddy Riley

Of course, the man of the hour had our attention as soon as he walked on the stage. And he had no problem sharing the spotlight with acts that he’d introduced, with many praising him throughout the night for being a mentor and welcoming presence in the music industry.

02

MAJOR

MAJOR joined Riley on stage, performing his hit “Why I Love You,” and helping Riley and Blackstreet transition into Don’t Leave Me.”

03

Blackstreet

Speaking of Blackstreet, what kind of night would it have been if the group didn’t hit the stage at Essence Fest?!

04

Ro James

Riley also welcomed Ro James to the stage, with the pair performing “Let’s Chill” and James performing hit song “Permission.”

05

Teyana Taylor

The singer and actress was recently added to the star-studded cast.

06

Coko

Taylor was also joined by Coko, with the pair performing classic SWV songs.

07

Timbaland

Timbaland popped up to perform a few songs from his long list of hits, which certainly had the crowd moving.

08

Ginuwine

Ginuwine later joined Riley and Timbaland on stage for a performance of “Pony.”

09

Wyclef Jean

Fans were treated to a surprise performance from Wyclef Jean, who had everyone singing along to “911.”

10

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell had nothing but praise for Riley when he hit the stage to perform, giving the iconic producer thanks for mentoring and helping him throughout his career.

11

St. Augustine High School Marching Band

Riley also performed alongside the historic St. Augustine High School Marching Band.

12

Doug E. Fresh

And Doug E. Fresh gave fans what they wanted with an energetic and memorable performance, looking out into the sea of Black faces at Essence Fest and commenting, “This is the essence of Essence!”