Exclusive!! Essence Festival Recap Day 1

Boyz to Men

The Essence Music Festival bills itself as the “the nation’s largest annual African-American event and gathering of musical talent.” The three-day event was launched in 1995. From 1995 through 2005, a combined total of two million fans have taken part in the event. Featured performers have included such renowned African-American musicians as Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Prince, and Kanye West.

Charlie Wilson

The festival began in New Orleans in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, the African-American lifestyle magazine, but its success inspired Essence to make it an annual event. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the festival temporarily relocated from New Orleans to Houston in 2005. The following year, it returned to New Orleans. According to Essence magazine, the festival is a multigenerational event where far-flung African-American families and friends reunite.

JHud

Big Daddy Kane

Chaka Khan

Fantasia

Macy Gray

Miguel

Sisqo

Taraji P. Henson

Tank

This year’s event has already brought out some of the biggest names in music with performances by Usher, Charlie Wilson, Macy Gray, Miguel, Jennifer Hudson, Boyz to Men as well as many others. Hollywood actors Taraji P. Henson, Terry Crews and other big screen stars have also came out to support this well attended event. Please check back daily for updated images and video from this year’s Essence Festival and follow us on twitter @hiphopenquirer or @hiphopenqmag