Finally! The lineup for the 2016 Essence Music Festival has been released and I can say it’s looking pretty good! Not only is the festival featuring some of R&B’s favorites, old and new, but they’ve added a mix a Hip-Hop and Pop. I know what you’re probably thinking, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, I’ll be the first to say that when Kendrick Lamar performed last year, there was not one frown in the place. I was even surprised to see the entire dome filled with standing hip-hop fans. It was awesome. I welcome the diversity! Plus, I’m SUPER excited to see new faces in the lineup. Some are my absolute FAVE and I cannot wait to sway to their sounds June 30 – July 3.
So, let’s get down to it. Here are the phenomanl acts of the 2016 Essence Fest, including old faces and some making their Essence Fest debut:
MAINSTAGE ACTS
Uncle Charlie (Wilson)
New Edition
Babyface
Charlie Wilson
Faith Evans
Maxwell
Ciara
Tyrese
SUPERLOUNGE ACTS
Lion Babe
Leon Bridges
Jeremih
Dej Loaf
The Internet
BJ The Chicago Kid (Artist to Watch)
Cyril Neville
Robert Glasper Experiment
Daley
Digable Planets
Doug E. Fresh
Eric Bellinger
Estelle
Jidenna
Judith Hill
Kelly Price
St. Beauty
Lady Leshurr
Lala Hathaway
Little Simz
Mali Music
MC Lyte
The Brand New Heavies
Preservation Hall Brass Band
New Breed Brass Band
Tink
V. Bozeman
3-day-weekend packages starting at $130.50 (plus fees) are available and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Stay tuned for updates on performances added, night-by-night lineup and seminar schedules.
Related Images:
