Essence Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans after a two-year hiatus
Janet Jackson, Kevin Hart and Nicki Minaj are among the headliners announced Thursday for this summer's Essence Festival of Culture, which returns to New Orleans after a two-year hiatus brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Others tapped for entertainment from June 30 to July 3 include New Edition, The Isley Brothers, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, The Roots & Friends and D-Nice & Friends, Essence Communications Inc. said in a news release. Additional talent and details will be announced later.
“We are excited to welcome the family live to New Orleans and are thrilled to connect with our greater expatriate family through new digital experiences,” said Essence CEO Carolyn Vanga in the announcement.
In addition to nightly concerts inside the Superdome, the festivities will include networking at the Ernest Ann Morial Convention Center, programming on finance, career, wellness, fashion, beauty and more, and other entertainment in venues across the city.
Started in 1995 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine, the festival has grown into the world's largest celebration of black women, culture and communities, which took place on July 4 in New Orleans, the company's statement said. Calls over 530,000 people annually on weekends.
The festival, with the 2022 theme 'It's the Black Joy for Me', aims to expand its digital programming, "select on-the-ground activities" as well as create new digital-only content and experiences, the company said. making plans.
And even though some COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, proof of vaccination is required to participate in festival events, organizers said.