The Essence Competition of Tradition has introduced an expansive musical lineup for its 2025 live performance sequence. The lineup options iconic headliners and particular collaborative performances that promise to make this yr’s pageant one of the crucial memorable. The Essence Competition of Tradition will probably be held at Ernest N. Morial Conference Heart and Caesars Superdome from July 4-6 in New Orleans.
Philadelphia royalty takes heart stage
The pageant will showcase “Jill Scott & Buddies,” an distinctive efficiency celebrating Philadelphia’s wealthy musical heritage. Grammy-winning neo-soul pioneer Jill Scott will share the stage with legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle and powerhouse singer Jazmine Sullivan, making a historic second of Philadelphia’s best musical skills throughout generations.
Grasp P’s farewell efficiency
Hip-hop mogul Grasp P has introduced his remaining pageant efficiency will happen at Essence 2025. The No Restrict Data founder will probably be joined by label mainstays Mia X and Silkk the Shocker for a nostalgic celebration of the long-lasting label’s influence on Southern hip-hop. Complementing this historic send-off, Bone Thugs-N-Concord, R&B group Dru Hill, and singer-songwriter Keri Hilson can even carry out throughout this particular section.
Jermaine Dupri’s tribute to Quincy Jones
Music producer Jermaine Dupri will curate a particular homage to music legend Quincy Jones, that includes various performers spanning a number of genres. The tribute will embrace performances by Tyrese, Al B. Certain!, Robin Thicke, feminine teams SWV and Xscape, alongside hip-hop acts The Pharcyde and Mobb Deep, showcasing Jones’ far-reaching affect throughout the musical panorama.
Essence’s most important stage headliners
The principle stage will welcome a powerful roster of further performers representing one of the best in R&B, hip-hop, and soul. The lineup consists of 12-time Grammy winner Babyface, neo-soul pioneer Erykah Badu, and up to date R&B voices Ari Lennox and Summer season Walker.
Rising worldwide artists Psiryn and Moliy, hip-hop legend Doug E. Recent, reggae icon Buju Banton, rising rap star GloRilla, and soul veterans The Isley Brothers are additionally slated to carry out. Hip-hop luminary Nas, R&B crooner Donnell Jones, and Grammy-winning songwriter Muni Lengthy full the principle stage choices.
Superlounge returns
The favored Superlounge expertise returns with intimate performances. This yr’s Superlounge performers embrace R&B vocalist Stokley, New Orleans natives Tank and the Bangas, R&B singer Tamia, and rapper Saweetie.
The Superlounge can even function critically acclaimed hip-hop artist Rapsody, TDE singer-songwriter SiR, multifaceted artist Jidenna, and Grammy-nominated rapper D Smoke, together with further artists.
Competition legacy continues
The 2025 version marks one other milestone for the Essence Competition of Tradition, celebrating the fifty fifth anniversary of Essence journal and 31 years of the pageant.
Past the night concert events at Caesars Superdome, the multi-day occasion will function daytime programming on the Ernest N. Morial Conference Heart, together with panel discussions, networking alternatives, and exhibitions targeted on wealth-building, well being and wellness, and cultural celebration.
The Ernest N. Morial Conference Heart stands not merely as a metal and glass construction however as a long-lasting testomony to the transformative management of New Orleans’ first African American mayor. Ernest Morial shattered racial obstacles when he took workplace in 1978, establishing a legacy of public service that will encourage his son Marc to observe the identical path, making a multigenerational dedication to the Crescent Metropolis. At this time, as 1000’s cross by way of the conference heart’s doorways, they stroll by way of a bodily embodiment of progress, an area that honors how one household’s dedication helped reshape a metropolis’s trajectory and opened doorways for future generations.
The pageant continues its custom of mixing leisure with empowerment, creating a novel platform that celebrates Black tradition whereas offering alternatives for group constructing and financial growth.
Tickets for the 2025 Essence Competition of Live performance Sequence are on sale now
