Essence Festival is going the distance to deliver to a magical night in music for its 25th anniversary this year. Mary J. Blige will headline the iconic festival this year. Global superstars Pharrell and Missy Elliott will also join Blige on the main stage, as well as H.E.R., Teyana Taylor, Anthony Hamilton and a list of others.
Essence isn’t celebrating their 25th anniversary alone. The three-day event will feature special performances that put emphasis on the 25th anniversary of Blige’s My Life album. Frankie Beverly of Maze will also have his hallmark career spotlighted at this year’s festival.
“When the Essence Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence — a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, Essence Communications CEO. “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, more than 25 artists per night over three epic nights will come together to mount the world’s largest and most extraordinary cultural celebration.”
PJ Morton, Normani, Lucky Daye, VanJess, Ginuwine, Tweet, Jacquees and many more have been confirmed as Superlounge performers.
The 2019 Essence Festival will take place from July 4-7 in New Orleans. See the full list of performers below. Tickets information is available at Essence.com/festival.
2019 Mainstage Artists
Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Pharrell, H.E.R., Teyana Taylor, Ledisi, Nas, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, MC Lyte, Shelia E, Morris Day, Frankly Beverly, Anthony Hamilton, RBRM, Musiq Soulchild, Teddy Riley, Doug E. Fresh, DJ D-Nice and Loni Love.
2017 Superlounge Artists
PJ Morton, Normani, Lucky Daye, VanJess, Elle Varner, Mase, Mia X, JoJo, Ginuwine, Luke James, 702, Tweet, Queen Naija, Jacquees, Water Seed, The Hamiltones, Scarface, Rakim, Sauti Sol, Pell, Nigel Hall, Erica Falls, Aluna George, Davido and Big Daddy Kane.