Renowned singer Janet Jackson is set to grace the stage at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans for the fourth time this summer. Originally slated for a solo performance at the Smoothie King Center on July 23 as part of her Together Again Summer 2024 tour, Jackson's plans have taken a new turn. Her individual show has been canceled, and she is now scheduled to headline one of the three nights of concerts at the annual festival, which is scheduled to take place from July 5 through July 7 at the Superdome.
While the specific date of Jackson's performance has not been disclosed by Essence organizers, fans can anticipate an electrifying show from the iconic artist who previously graced the Essence Festival stage in 2010, 2018, and 2022. Notably, her last appearance in 2022 drew a capacity crowd of 48,500 attendees, marking it as the highest-grossing night in the festival's 30-year history.
Aside from Janet Jackson's anticipated performance, Essence recently announced a reunion of the Cash Money Millionaires collective during the festival, featuring prominent rapper and Cash Money co-founder Bryan “Baby” Williams, also known as Birdman. While the full lineup of artists is yet to be revealed, this reunion is expected to be a highlight of the event.
Despite some fans expressing frustration over the gradual unveiling of the festival lineup, Essence has been gradually unveiling the roster for the event. In addition to the nightly concerts at the Superdome, attendees can look forward to a diverse range of programming at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and various other venues across the city. The festival will offer sessions on networking, finance, careers, wellness, fashion, beauty, and more, catering to a wide array of interests.
Since its inception in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine, the Essence Festival has grown into the world's largest celebration of Black women, culture, and communities. Drawing over 530,000 attendees annually over the July Fourth weekend in New Orleans, the festival serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the richness and diversity of Black culture and heritage.
