Mario hit the Coca-Cola Main Stage at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture on July 5, 2026, gliding through favorites like “Just a Friend,” “Crying Out for Me,” and “Let Me Love You,” with his lush vocals and signature sensuality. The R&B powerhouse reminded the crowd why his voice remains one of the genre’s best.
“We made it here for the culture,” the “Braid My Hair” singer told ThisIsRnB shortly before his set. “The Coca-Cola events are special because you actually get to touch the people. I think it’s very important for community, authenticity, and the conversation around music, culture, entrepreneurship.”
For more than 30 years, Coca-Cola has helped shape the ESSENCE Festival of Culture experience as its longest-standing and foundational partner. This year, the brand is evolving that legacy with Shine City — its largest and most integrated festival activation to date.
The chance to collab with an iconic brand was significant for the GRAMMY-nominated crooner. “Having Coca-Cola host something like this is incredible, and I’m grateful that they called me to be a part of it,” he said.
With over two decades in the game, Mario continues to master his craft with melodic precision. He will appear on 48 of 50 dates on the R&B tour with Usher and Chris Brown, delivering performances that prove R&B is alive and thriving.
“I don’t think R&B can ever die,” the “Break Up” singer said. “It’s such a soulful, authentic, diverse, versatile genre of music that has carried us — especially us as Black people.”
“Being on this R&B tour is just an example of the power of R&B,” he added. “It’s really hard to fill arenas. It’s hard to fill even 5,000 seats today, but people are coming out and really having a great time, and we’re able to celebrate each other as artists and as culture.”
The proud Virgo revealed his outlook on life has shifted since the birth of his son, Lord Nasir, on January 26, 2026.
“I’ve always been a detail person, but now, I search for the details even more, and even in conversations with people in rooms that I walk into,” he said. “Whether it be business, whether it be a Coca-Cola ESSENCE Fest event, whether it be a conversation with a fan, I find myself having more of an impact when it comes to everything outside of myself.”
Check out our exclusive interview with Mario and ThisIsRnB host Raquelle below.