The 2020 ESSENCE Festival Announces Star-Filled Lineup

15:12 February 11, 2020
By: Emily Ahmad

Essence just announced the power-packed lineup for this year's festival, and if the superstar performers are any indication, the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is going to be an event you don't want to miss. The festival, which brands itself as "the world's largest cultural, entertainment, and empowerment experience," is one of the most highly anticipated events to celebrate Black excellence. This year's event will be hosted by comedian and actress Loni Love, who currently appears as a host on the popular daytime talk show The Real, and will be held in the Superdome from July 1-5.

Headlining the festival for the first time ever is Bruno Mars, whose soulful pop tunes and powerful voice have consistently captured American audiences for the past decade, earning him an impressive eleven Grammy awards. Fans can expect Mars to perform some of his most popular hits, like "24K Magic" and "Treasure". Festival-goers will also be treated to performances by iconic pop legend Janet Jackson, and the Godmother of Soul herself, Patti LaBelle. There will be plenty of Hip-Hop and R&B representation in the Superdome, with performances by Raphael Saadiq, Tamia, Swizz Beatz, and Doug E. Fresh, and newcomers Janelle Monae and Summer Walker will bring a fresh perspective to the event. Other performers include Jidenna, Saweetie, Sir and Ari Lennox, and more.

The fun doesn't end with the musical performances, as the festival offers a long list of activities and events for guests to participate in. Highlights will include ESSENCE Eats, a live cooking show with celebrity chefs and cooking experts, along with after hours comedy shows, parties, live podcasts, and underground performances. There will also be a Beauty Carnival, where celebrity hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty influencers will give their best beauty tips and tricks, and a Fashion House for guests to discover an exciting array of runway shows and pop-up shops that feature the best and brightest Black designers. While there is plenty of entertainment to go around, the Essence Fest will also feature a variety of economic and advocacy related conferences, such as the Global Black Economic Forum and the Power Stage, which explores current cultural issues with community leaders, politicians, and pop culture icons.

For more information on the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, visit https://www.essence.com/v1festival2020/


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