The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® is set to make a grand return to New Orleans from July 4-7, celebrating 30 years of cultural impact and entertainment. This year’s festival promises a blend of legacy and evolution, with performances that pay homage to the event’s rich history while looking forward to its future.
Star-studded lineup for a milestone celebration
Headlining the festival is none other than R&B superstar Usher, who will deliver a special one-night-only performance to mark the 20th anniversary of his iconic album, Confessions. Joining the celebration are global icon Janet Jackson, 3-time Grammy-Award winner Victoria Monét, and a milestone celebration with Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash Money Millionaires, including 8-time ESSENCE Festival veteran Charlie Wilson.
Special tributes and curated performances
The festival will also feature a special tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze, a passing of the torch moment curated by Grammy-award-winning producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox. The event will close with the return of the all-white party, a staple of the festival’s celebration.
Hosting the evening concert series are Keke Palmer, Pretty Vee, Big Tigger, Punkie Johnson, and Kenny Burns, with special DJ sets from Raj Smoove, DJ Clark Kent, and DJ Beverly Bond.
More than just music
Aside from the headliners, the festival will showcase a variety of performances from Grammy-nominated Tank and The Bangas, and New Orleans natives Teedra Moses, HaSizzle, and Dawn Richard. Additionally, D-Nice will bring his global sensation, Club Quarantine Live, to the stage, featuring icons across various music genres.
With additional performances by Ayra Starr, SWV, Busta Rhymes, Jacquees, and more, the festival is set to be an unforgettable experience celebrating Black joy and culture.
A pillar of culture and community
“For three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ has been a pillar of our culture, spanning generations and growing at the vibrant intersection of art, culture, freedom, and justice,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™. “As we approach this milestone, we invite everyone to join us for an enriching four days of daytime and evening experiences in our home of New Orleans.”
Last year, the festival generated $316 million for New Orleans and Louisiana, and this year’s event is expected to create even more memories and economic impact. The festival extends a warm invitation to all to celebrate unparalleled Black joy and culture.
