As the summer heat begins to rise in New Orleans, so does the anticipation for one of the most iconic cultural celebrations in America. ESSENCE Communications has just dropped the second wave of performers for the 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola®.
And This year’s theme? Made Like This.
Among the newly announced performers is Babyface, the Grammy-winning R&B icon whose voice and pen have shaped decades of music. A curated Jill Scott and Friends set will unite three generations of Philly soul royalty: Patti LaBelle, Jazmine Sullivan, and Jill Scott herself. Yes, all on one stage. In one night. In New Orleans.
They’ll join previously announced headliners like Boyz II Men, Afrobeats star Davido, New Orleans’ own Master P, and R&B mainstay Maxwell—each bringing their unique sound to a festival that thrives on musical diversity and emotional resonance.
Erykah Badu, Ari Lennox, Psiryn, MOLIY, and the original human beatbox Doug E. Fresh will take this space to the next level. Doug E. Fresh, in particular, will lead a 55th-anniversary tribute to ESSENCE Magazine with a blend of freestyle, history, and hype.
Festivalgoers can also expect unforgettable sets from Buju Banton, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Nas, Summer Walker, Donell Jones, and Muni Long—a reflection of the festival’s commitment to mixing legendary voices with next-generation stars.
One of this year’s most meaningful additions is a musical tribute titled “ESSENCE Flowers: A Quincy Jones Joint.” It’s a curated celebration of the genre-defying genius that is Quincy Jones, led by producer and Songwriters Hall of Famer Jermaine Dupri.
New Orleans’ own Master P is set to deliver his final performance. The mogul and founder of No Limit Records will hit the stage alongside the No Limit Soldiers, including Mia X and Silkk the Shocker. It’s more than a concert—it’s the closing chapter of a cultural era. Also sharing the stage that night will be Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dru Hill, and Keri Hilson, making it a celebration of Southern resilience and Black entrepreneurship in hip-hop.
And for the real ones who know where some of the festival’s most unforgettable sets have happened—the Superlounge is back, reimagined and reenergized. An intimate stage that really allows the artist to connect with the audience.
Fans can manage their schedules and get the most out of their weekend with the E360 app, which offers special deals, real-time updates, and curated experiences.
Tickets and weekend packages are on sale now. Don’t wait—this one’s for the books.
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