NEW ORLEANS (CelebrityAccess) — On Monday, organizers announced the lineup for the 25th anniversary of the Essence Fest, with Missy Elliot and Mary J. Blige headlining the bill.
Hosted by comedian, talk show host and actress Loni Love over the fourth of July weekend in New Orleans, this year’s three-night concert series will shine a spotlite on black culture, including music, film, fashion, television, beauty, politics, and community activism.
Other artists on the bill for 2019 include H.E.R., Big Freedia, City Girls, Davido, Ginuwine, Jacquees, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Nas, Normani, Pharrell Williams, Queen Naija, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike, Teyana Taylor, Timbaland, 702 and many more.
Highlights will include special performances marking the 25th anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s My Life and Nas’ Illmatic, as well as a live album recording by Grammy Award-winning musician PJ Morton featuring performances from Jojo, Luke James, The Hamiltones and more.
This year’s Essence will also honor Frankie Beverly for his lifetime contribution to music.
“When the Essence Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence – a critical acknowledgment of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications.
“In the years since, it has set a standard that many other festivals have aspired to, and today, the Essence Festival has grown to represent an annual homecoming for Black artists from across the globe. In honor of our 25th anniversary, nearly 30 artists per night over 3 epic nights will come together to mount the world’s largest and most extraordinary cultural celebration. To one and all, we say, ‘Welcome to Essence. Welcome home,’” he added.
