The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, presented by Coca-Cola, returns to New Orleans for its 29th year from June 29-July 3. The festival will celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and explore how it has influenced global culture through daytime programming and nightly shows, both in-person and virtual. The festival will feature live performances from some of the most talented hip-hop artists, including Ms. Lauryn Hill, who will perform her Grammy-winning album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in recognition of its 25th anniversary, and Megan Thee Stallion, a three-time Grammy winner. Additionally, Doug E. Fresh will curate a performance of hip-hop pioneers, and Jermaine Dupri will deliver a special arrangement with some of the biggest names in hip-hop to come out of Atlanta. Other artists performing at the festival include Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones, and Kizz Daniel. The evening hosts will be Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, Spice Adams, and Janelle James, and DJs Spinderella, Kid Capri, and Clark Kent will provide music. More talent and experiences will be announced soon.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture serves as more than just a music festival. It celebrates hip-hop’s rich history across stages and experiences throughout the four-day event, beginning on June 29. The festival is committed to creating opportunities that will economically benefit and contribute to local Black-owned businesses and celebrate the culture and equity of the Black community.
“The ESSENCE Festival of Culture has been an international and joyful gathering that empowers the community throughout the global Black diaspora for nearly three decades,” said Hakeem Holmes, newly appointed Vice President of ESSENCE Festival of Culture. “As we gear up to celebrate the ’50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop,’ we couldn’t think of a better way to honor the contributions the genre has made on global culture.”
Last year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture saw 1.9 million live and virtual attendees, increased revenue, and brought in new and reinvested sponsors. The 2023 Festival will bring back new and returning activations steeped in hip-hop culture, such as nightly concerts at the Superdome, the ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, Beautycon, AFROPUNK, and more.
