The countdown to the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola is officially underway!
For the past 50 years, team ESSENCE has stood at the forefront of powerful storytelling and one-of-a-kind live events that have allowed Black women and Black communities around the world to see themselves uplifted in every facet. As we embark on a new decade of celebrating excellence in Black culture on a global scale across music, film, business, wellness, fashion, entrepreneurship, politics, beauty, food, economic empowerment and more, ESSENCE is excited to share a first look at our EF2020 Superdome concert lineup.
This year’s evening concert series will see performances from the biggest names in music. For the first time ever, Grammy Award-winning international superstar Bruno Mars will headline the weekend, alongside entertainment icon, Janet Jackson, with electrifying mainstage performances from: Ari Lennox, Janelle Monae, Patti LaBelle, Raphael Saadiq, Summer Walker and Swizz Beatz, plus an all-star Reggae x Afrobeats curation led by Estelle and featuring Afro B, Chronixx, Elephant Man, Kranium, Max Glazer, Maxi Priest and Shenseea.
Hosted by Loni Love with music by D Nice.
This year’s Superounge lineup includes: Jidenna, Saweetie, Tamia, SIR, June’s Diary, Doug E.Fresh, Kiana Lede, Rapsody, Casmé, D Smoke, Demi Grace, Elah Hale, Goldlink, Jamesdavis, Kitty Cash, Leikeli47, Masego, Mr Eazi, Oswin Benjamin, Smino, Stokley, Tank and the Bangas, Teamarrr, The New Respects, Umi and more.
“This is a milestone year for ESSENCE and our community as we celebrate 50 years of creating opportunities for our culture to shine and the role of Black women in making it possible for us to do what no other brand has done,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.
“To be able to say that at 50 years, we are Black-owned, diversified across media, technology, commerce and live events, and impacting our culture in new and even deeper ways than ever before is a blessing – and one that comes with a tremendous responsibility to our community to continue to evolve, innovate and transform. That remains our focus and commitment as we work to ensure that we are here serving Black women deeply and advancing Black culture, economic ownership and inclusion globally for the next 50 years.”
For the first time ever, the 2020 ESSENCE Fest celebration will expand to bring 5 days of experiences to life not only in the beloved city of New Orleans, but across the great state of Louisiana. From July 1 through July 5, the country’s largest celebration of global Black culture will bring you experiences including: Beauty Carnival, Fashion House, Wellness House, The Power Stage, Screening Room, E-Suite, Global Black Economic Forum and Day of Service during an immersive week of opportunities for fellowship, networking, celebration, empowerment and community service. The 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture will also see the return of the ever-popular and ESSENCE After Dark party series and Gospel Sunday experience at the Convention Center.
Check out full list of performers announced so far HERE. For more information and to get your weekend ticket packages today, visit the official 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture website HERE.
See you in NOLA!