The 2022 Essence Festival Returns Live With Headliners Janet Jackson, New Edition & Nicki Minaj
Ready, Set, Let’s Go!
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting the past 2 and half years for…when the organizers of the Essence Festival of Culture was going to put a green light on an in person, live event again. Due to COVID-19, the last event took place in 2019, and festival goers (myself include) have been anxiously waiting to hear something, even if just an utter of an announcement, but now we have concrete evidence that things are going down in New Orleans the weekend of June 30 to July 3.
This year’s headlining entertainment will include Janet Jackson, New Edition, Nicki Minaj & Kevin Hart for a four night concert series. Sharing the stage with them for the subsequent nights will be The Isley Brothers, The Roots & Friends, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, Chloe x Halle and more at the Caesars Superdome. The organizers say that additional names will be announced soon.
The 27th annual festival will be a multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and celebration, while continuing to focus on the positive economic impact to the City and Black-owned businesses.
“As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is a staple that celebrates community and empowers equity. We are excited to welcome the family back live to New Orleans and thrilled to connect with more of our diasporic family through new digital experiences,” said ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga. “Whether it be those that have three years of outfits reflective of the Festival tradition that was disrupted by the pandemic, or those who will have their inaugural Festival experience in 2022 , all are invited to immerse in the crown jewel of culture known as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Our almost three-decade-relationship with the City of New Orleans has been critical to the fiber of the Festival and we fully recognize and appreciate the City and its citizens for all they do to create memorable experiences for all attendees. Lastly, it is critical that we understand that what we deliver with this Festival—live and virtually—also impacts Black economic inclusion. The ability to have those that benefit from this be Black businesses is my favorite manifestation of our 2022 Festival theme, ‘It’s The Black Joy for Me.’ See you in July.”
Weekend package tickets are on sale right now, but we speculate that single day tickets will hit the market at a later day. Please also know that proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required to participate in the festivals activities. For more information on tickets, access and updates on this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture, visit www.essencefestival.com
Are ya’ll going?! Because we’ll certainly be there for this one!
