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Home • 2013 ESSENCE Music Festival

5 of Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Stage Moments

There's nothing like experiencing a concert put on by one of your favorite performers. Here, we’ve rounded up the top five concert moments from past ESSENCE Festivals that will make you wish you were there.
By Monique Valeris · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
#5: Chaka Khan

The “Queen of Funk-Soul” blessed 2012 Festival attendees with a performance that was one to remember.

5 of Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Stage Moments
Frank Micelotta
02
#4: Ledisi

Ledisi sang her heart out at the 2012 Festival, and, of course, we all thanked her for it.

5 of Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Stage Moments
Frank Micelotta
03
#3: John Legend

John Legend is the kind of performer who doesn’t need an elaborate stage at all. His voice alone is enough to keep any crowd mesmerized, and he rocked the house at the 2009 ESSENCE Festival.

5 of Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Stage Moments
Andrew Goetz
04
#2: Charlie Wilson

The distinct voice. The outfit changes. The endless hits. Charlie Wilson’s 2012 performance was one to watch.

5 of Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Stage Moments
Gus Bennett
05
#1: Beyoncé

Beyoncé never skimps on delivering for her fans, and her 2009 performance was no different. She was all we expected her to be—fierce, energetic, and just outright fabulous. We’re definitely looking forward to her show this year.

5 of Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Stage Moments
Andrew Goetz