DAY TWO: DAYTIME EXPERIENCE
During the day, attendees flocked downtown to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Let’s start with the brand activations.
- Coca-Cola started the morning with a morning movement session led by TwerkNOLA and GiaPeppers. Later that day, they have a surprise performance by BET Awards Best New Artist nominee, Flo Milli.
- LaRoche Posay along with Cera Ve provided the Essence Fest essentials – a clear fanny pack (the perfect bag to use if you’re attending the Evening Concert Series) and sunscreen! Plus, throughout the day they gave away $200 worth of products and a boom box-shaped Bluetooth speaker and cooler!
- AT&T returned this year with an inclusive and immersive experience that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop through music and fashion. During AT&T’s Black Future Makers Panel, Terrence J dropped some gems for the crowd, “…When you’re looking after your dreams, don’t also be so concerned with reaching up. Don’t look for somebody to help you. Work with the people that are around you.” Throughout the day, AT&T hosted a Black Boy Joy Panel and finished with a surprise performance R&B singer and actress, Keri Hilson.
- Disney started the morning by second-lining in the convention center with Princess Tiana – an ode to New Orleans’ very own Disness princess plus promoting the new ride opening in 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Throughout the day, attendees rocked their free pink Minnie Mouse ears. And some were lucky enough to win a 3-day family trip to Disneyland, Disney World, or a Disney Cruise Line!
Other highlights of the day-time activations were:
- The debut of AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™. It featured an exploration of what the Black future looks like in the now – fashion, tech, music, and more. Outfits created by the Black Fashion Fair were featured. Also, AT&T hosted a robotics workshop for all ages encouraging kids to tap into STEM.
- The Global Black Economic Forum™ Headquarters Stage was the place to be. “The highest court in our land has made a decision today on affirmative action and I feel compelled to speak about it and I’m sure that I share the sentiment and the feeling of everyone in this room, in terms of the deep disappointment,” said Harris. Vice President Kamala Harris provided attendees with insight into the fight for reproductive freedom, the recent decisions made by the Supreme Court, gun violence, and more. “An attack on anyone’s freedom is an attack on all of our freedoms…these attacks are about folks who are exerting their rights.” Vice President Harris encouraged everyone to vote, work together to be the change we want to see, and be vigilant. This segment was followed by Essence President and CEO, Caroline Wanga, having a Chief-to-Chief conversation with Oprah Winfrey before a discussion about The Color Purple – which featured Blitz Bazawule, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Fantasia Barrino.
DAY TWO: NIGHTTIME EXPERIENCE
From 7 PM to 2 AM, thousands of fans packed inside Caesar’s Superdome for the first night of the evening concert series – and thousands more tuned in online via Hulu!
The night kicked off with a performance by Grammy nominee and rapper, Tobe Nwigwe. Throughout the night, the crowd listened to the soulful performances of R&B singer, Ari Lennox, and R&B group, Jagged Edge.
New Orleans’ own Juvenile brought the party. No matter how many times I see Juvie perform, seeing “I Need A Hot Girl,” “Slow Motion,” and “Back That Azz Up” live never gets old. New Orleans was represented well as Essence also honored 5th Ward Weebie, a local rapper who was a pioneer of New Orleans bounce music. Weebie passed at the age of 42 in 2020. The tribute included Secondline Jay5 and Big Choo.
Hip-hop music originated in the early 1970s in the Bronx. Harlem native, Doug E. Fresh curated a 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop set that highlighted the foundation of the genre built back in the 70s and 80s. The set included appearances and performances Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, KRS-One, and Slick Rick! The set ended with the Human Beat Box himself, Doug E. Fresh, showing the crowd exactly why he got that name!
Janelle Monáe, no stranger to New Orleans, took the stage at midnight. Known for their empowerment anthems and vocalization of sexual liberations, Monaé left no stone unturned. The set started with a performance of “Float” – a song from Monaé’s recent release, The Age of Pleasure. Before continuing the rest of the set, the Grammy nominee made sure to wish everyone a happy Pride.
Throughout the hour, Monaé took you through their discography from “Champagne Shit” to “Yoga” (where the singer-songwriter flashed her right boob to the crowd) to the first song that introduced me to Monaé, “Tightrope.” Like Twitter user, @Jairhilburn said, “One thing Monaé, they’ll put on a performance with a solid set any (and every)time they hit a stage.”
The first night of the evening concert series ended with none other than, Ms. Lauryn Hill. Hill’s debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, turns twenty-five in August. To celebrate its 25th anniversary and the 50th year of hip-hop music, Hill performed almost the entirety of the five-time Grammy award-winning album. From “Everything is Everything” to “To Zion” to “Doo Wop (That Thing),” Hill and her band gave an extraordinary performance with unique arrangements of her iconic tracks. Wyclef Jean also surprised the crowd by joining Hill on stage for the final four songs including “Fu-Gee-La” and “Ready or Not.”
THE PARTY CONTINUES
The party doesn’t end with the Evening Concert Series. Here is a list of activities and events happening around the city for the night owls.
- AFROPUNK Krewe Ball: At the Joy Theater from 10 PM to 2:00 AM, AFROPUNK is taking over. Each night features secret performances, celebrity DJ sets, and more. Standard tickets are $25. VIP is $80.
- The Girls United Kickback: The ‘auntie-free zone’ is an after-party for the next generation filled with TikTok-worthy moments and a vibe you won’t get anywhere else. Standard tickets are $15. VIP is $80. If you missed it Thursday, there’s another one on Saturday from 10 PM to 2 AM at The Sugar Mill.
- Club Quarantine Live After Dark: ESSENCE and award-winning artist, DJ, and producer D-Nice are bringing Club Quarantine offline for three nights at the Fillmore New Orleans starting at 11 PM. Celebrate music, life, and love in New Orleans. Tickets start at $65.
- Mcdonald’s House Party: Starting Friday night, McDonald’s House Party is taking place at Club XLIV right outside of the Superdome after the evening concert series. DJ’d by New Orleans’ own, Mannie Fresh, with free food and drinks! Must be 21+ to attend.
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