The Essence Music Festival returns to the New Orleans Superdome this July. The event sponsored by Essence Magazine was established in 1995. It was established to mark the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine and has blossomed into a culturally rich music and arts festival. The Essence Music Festival offers a variety of events aimed toward African American women. Here is a brief history of the Essence Music Festival and a guide to what to expect this year.
How it began
The Essence Music Festival was never intended to become the annual festival it has. In fact, the event began in 1995 with the intentions of being a one time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine. The magazine began publication in 1975 geared toward an audience of African American women. The magazine has the reputation of celebrating African American culture, music and feminism. “Essence Fest” brought together some of the best performing artists of the day on July 4, 1995. New Orleans was the obvious place to host the three day event because of its vibrant music community. The event featured a main stage with performers like Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jeffrey Osborne and Lionel Richie. The first festival and ensuing festivals also feature side stages and areas for discussions, arts, crafts and more.
The Essence Music Festival was such a hit that it became an annual event. The festival has developed the nickname “the party with a purpose”. The music event is much more than that. The Essence Festival also features seminars on topics from starting a new business to personal issues. The event offers a platform for artists, craftsmen and writers. The Essence Music Festival has become a mainstay of New Orleans.
Over the years
The popularity of the Essence Music Festival quickly made it a much sought after annual event. While tourism in New Orleans in July is typically slow, the festival draws in millions. It isn’t just a musical event, although great artists perform on the main stage at the Superdome during the three day festival. Artists over the years include Beyoncé, Prince, Cedric the Entertainer, the Dells and Peobo Bryson. Frankie Beverly and Maze have consistently closed the event. Side stages offer other performers, motivational speakers and others focused on empowering African American women to success. The event also offers vendors a place to sell artwork, writing, crafts and fashion pieces. In fact, fashion has become a big presence in the festival over the past two decades.
New Orleans has consistently hosted the Essence Music Festival except for a brief time after Hurricane Katrina. The event was held in Houston, Texas in 2006. After returning to its home in New Orleans, the main stage was given a “face lift” by designer Stefan Beese. In 2016 a spinoff of the Essence Music Festival made its debut in Durbon, KutaZulu-Natal.
2018
The Essence Music Festival is gearing up for its July 4 kick off this year. Headliners will include Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Snoop Dogg, Escape, Blackstreet, Fantasia, Miguel and The Roots. As always the event will feature artists and engaging seminars. Of course, fashion will be a major part of the 2018 event. The Essence Marketplace will spill out into the streets of the Central Business District of New Orleans. Vendors will offer books, food, art, business, and educational materials to fest visitors. The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center will also host vendors supporting the cultural heritage of African American women. The Convention Center will also host engaging seminars with topics from business to spirituality.
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