Essence Fest 2023 – presented once again by Coca-Cola – announced this year’s official lineup for their 29th annual four-day festival held in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday, March 29. Via an official press release scheduled headlining performances which include R&B stars Monica, Coco Jones, and Ms. Lauryn Hill, who will perform a very special 25th-anniversary set of her iconic debut album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. “
Held June 29 through July 3, this year’s theme will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and provide festival-goers the opportunity to explore how the genre has impacted every aspect of global culture that will be showcased with daytime programming and nightly shows to be experienced whether in-person and/or virtual. The multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and celebration extends Essence’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities that will economically benefit and contribute to local Black-owned businesses.
“For nearly three decades, the Essence Festival of Culture has been an international and joyful gathering that empowers community throughout the global Black diaspora. As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, it continues to be a crown jewel of Black culture and plays a pivotal role in the amplification and celebration of the contributions of the Black community through business, music, and more. 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 to global culture and the impressions that these artists and their deep musical catalogs, which we all know so well, have been ingrained into the fibers of our day to day lives,” said Hakeem Holmes, newly appointed Vice President of ESSENCE Festival of Culture™.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Hill, 47, one and only album, was released in 1998 on Columbia Records and includes Neo-Soul/R&B classics, “Ex-Factor,” “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Everything is Everything.” The debut album transformed Hill into an icon, achieving diamond certification by the RIAA, selling over 10 million copies, and winning five grammy awards, including Best New Artist, Best R&B Song, Best R&B Album, and Album of the Year in 1999. The album is constantly recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time across all genres.
DJ Spinderella, DJ Kid Capri, and DJ Clark Kent will be keeping the party going all week long with their DJ sets. While additional scheduled musical acts set to perform include a wide variety of superstars from Wizkid to Megan Thee Stallion to Kizz Daniel to Doug E. Fresh.
Along with the celebration of Lauryn Hill, Essence will also commemorate music mogul Jermaine Dupri as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of his iconic record label, So So Def. To celebrate, Dupri, 50, will take the stage alongside special guests to perform a melody of hits from his iconic catalog. Launched in 1993, So So Def produced a legendary roster of hip-hop and R&B superstars, including Kris Kross, Jagged Edge, DaBrat, and Bow Wow. Dupri has written and produced massive hits for Usher, Mariah Carey, TLC, and many more, alongside reaching the top of the charts with his own hits, like “Welcome to Atlanta,” “Money Ain’t A Thing,” and “Ballin’ Out of Control.”
Essence Festival 2023 will be hosted by Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, Spice Adams, and Janelle James. Performances kick off June 30th to July 3 at the Superdome. More special guests and performers are set to be announced soon as the lineup is subject to change.
Essence Festival of Culure tickets are on sale now with complete information at the official ESSENCE Festival website.