Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey & Maxwell to highlight Essence Festival 2016 Line-Up
The Essence Festival is one of urban music’s most anticipated annual events. Last year artists like Usher, Trey Songz and Missy Elliott put on quite the show, so as usual the yearly event finds ways to out do previous events. The Essence Festival 2016 line-up was announced today and it looks like Mariah Carey and Maxwell will be this year’s big name headliners. Kendrick Lamar is also back by popular demand after a phenomenal show last year.
Other main stage performers include Tyrese, Faith Evans, Ciara, New Edition, Charlie Wilson (another fan favorite) and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. That’s already an amazing line-up, but surely there will be more names announced in the coming weeks.
Artists confirmed to perform in the multiple Superlounges at this year’s festival include, BJ The Chicago Kid, Cyril Neville, Daley, DeJ Loaf, Digable Planets, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Bellinger, Estelle, Jeremih, Jidenna, Judith Hill, Kelly Price, Lady Leshurr, Lalah Hathaway, Leon Bridges, Lion Babe, Little Simz, Mali Music, MC Lyte, New Breed Brass Band, Robert Glasper Experiment, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, The Brand New Heavies, The Internet, Tink and V. Bozeman. Similarly, more artists are expected to be announced soon.
In addition, the Essence Festival 2016 line-up will include its first-ever World Music Superlounge, featuring artists from across the globe, including performers Wizkid, Zakes Bantwini and Skye Wanda representing Durban, South Africa (in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality).
The 22nd annual Essence Fest, which will take place in New Orleans, LA, from June 30 to July 3.