More Than a Celebration
Essence Festival turned 31 this year, and if there’s one thing this iconic event has proven, it’s that it’s not just a festival — it’s a movement. Rooted in culture and powered by impact, the Essence Festival continues to serve as one of the most important gatherings for Black creativity, entertainment, business, and empowerment in the world.
A Festival With Many Stages, One Purpose
When people think of Essence Festival, they often picture the packed concerts at the Superdome — and yes, the performances always deliver. But what makes Essence so unique is that it’s so much more than a music festival.
From the Film Festival to the Coca-Cola Stage, from Girls United to the Black Economic Forum, from the Black Business Market Stage to the endless panels, activations, and meetups — Essence Festival creates space for all walks of life to shine. Every corner you turn has something new to experience, whether it’s an intimate conversation with a rising artist, a fireside chat with a CEO, or a surprise performance from a legend.
And let’s not forget the freebies. Every year, some of the biggest beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands show up and show out, giving attendees a chance to try products, connect with companies, and discover the next best thing in their daily routines.
A Space Where Every Creative Has a Voice
This year, I had the opportunity to attend as a media partner — and what stood out most to me was the way Essence gave a platform to both the new wave of young creatives and the seasoned voices who’ve been shaping culture for decades.
Everywhere I went, there was someone telling their story — from influencers building communities online, to entrepreneurs launching businesses, to artists finding new ways to push their craft forward. Some of the biggest stars in the world shared the stage with the freshest names on the scene, and it all worked together to create a living, breathing reflection of what Black creativity looks like in 2025.
Content Is King
If I had to sum up this year’s theme in one thought, it would be this: everybody has a voice, and every voice matters.
In today’s world where content is king, platforms big and small hold power. Whether it’s a media company you’ve followed for years or a platform you’re just discovering for the first time at Essence, every story told has the potential to inspire, spark change, or help the next creative on their journey.
That’s the beauty of Essence Festival — it isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about elevation, opportunity, and impact. It’s about giving people a stage to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
The Essence of 31 Years
Thirty-one years in, Essence Festival remains a cultural anchor — a reminder that Black art, business, and creativity will always deserve space at the table, and when the table isn’t built for us, we build our own.
For me, being able to cover this year’s festival wasn’t just about highlighting celebrities or performances — it was about capturing the voices of everyday creatives chasing their dreams and making their mark. That’s the real power of Essence.
Because yes, people come for the shows — but they leave with stories, connections, and inspiration that stay with them long after the lights go down in New Orleans.