Home • 2014 ESSENCE Festival Throwback Thursday: The Gospel At ESSENCE Festival We highlight some of our favorite gospel singers who have shared their gift of song during festival weekend. By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020 01 Mary Mary Johnny Nunez 02 Smokie Norful Smokie Norful meant every word when he sang his heartfelt testimony “I Need You Now” at ESSENCE Festival in 2009. Johnny Nunez 03 Marvin Sapp and Deitrick Haddon Marvin Sapp and Deitrick Haddon tore the house down and had everyone on their feet. Gus Bennett 04 J Moss Moss was all about spiritual rebuilding when he hit the festival stage in 2009. Gus Bennett 05 Trin-i-tee 5:7 The trio moved every being in the Ernest N Morial Convention Center. Scott Legato 06 Kirk Franklin Kirk Franklin, all smiles. 07 Fred Hammond and Cece Winans Gospel greats came together to bless Essence Festival goers. Andrew Goetz 08 Tye Tribbett Tribbett comes to entertain and praise with every inch of his body and never disappoints. Scott Legato