GloRilla, Summer Walker, Muni Long, Maxwell and Boyz II Men are among the first wave of contemporary stars and legends announced for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Presented by Coca-Cola, the annual music and lifestyle event will take place July 4-6 in New Orleans.
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In addition to the aforementioned acts, the lineup of headliners and performers includes Davido, Nas, The Isley Brothers, Donell Jones, Buju Banton and New Orleans’ native son Master P. Banton and GloRilla will be making their ESSENCE Festival debuts as well. Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Jermaine Dupri will also curate a tribute to the legacy of multifaceted industry icon Quincy Jones. Titled “ESSENCE Flowers,” Dupri’s special salute will “bring together artists who’ve sampled, studied or shared space with the music titan,” according to the press release announcement.
“We Are Made Like This” is 2025’s theme as the festival celebrates the 55th anniversary of its namesake, ESSENCE magazine. Serving as hosts for the evening series of concerts will be actor/comedian Anthony Anderson and cultural curator Kenny Burns.
A mix of returning and new lifestyle experiences will round out the weekend’s various offerings. These include the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, ESSENCE Film Festival, BeautyCon and ESSENCE Authors.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary last year, the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture featured eight-time Grammy Award winner Usher in a special performance of his classic 2004 album Confessions. Attendees were also treated to performances by Janet Jackson, Victoria Monét, Charlie Wilson, Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires and a tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze.
