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Home • 2013 ESSENCE Music Festival

Luke James on ESSENCE Fest & His Career

R&B singer Luke James, who's set to perform at the ESSENCE Festival on Sunday, July 7, speaks about his show and career accomplishments.
By Monique Valeris · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
On ESSENCE Festival & Missing New Orleans

“It’s a brilliant Festival that I grew up attending, and it’s in my hometown, New Orleans. I miss the people and aura of the city. You can feel it. It’s different from anywhere else in the world.”

Luke James on ESSENCE Fest & His Career
02
On the Festival Lineup

“I’m ecstatic about Maxwell performing and the other artists doing the Mainstage and Superlounges. It’s just awesome. It’s beautiful to get all of these artists under one ceiling. I love music.”

Luke James on ESSENCE Fest & His Career
Yosra El-Essawy
03
On His Upcoming Album, “Made to Love,” Being Released July 16

“People can look forward to a very emotional ride. It’s a mixture of rock, funk, hip-hop, soul, R&B and gospel. It’s a beautiful piece of work.”

Luke James on ESSENCE Fest & His Career
Photofab/Rex/Rex USA
04
On Making it in the Music Business

“You have to have faith that it will happen. Also, your network is your net worth. Get out there and meet people. Surround yourself with like-minded people—people who will lift you up.”

Luke James on ESSENCE Fest & His Career
Yosra El-Essawy
05
On Starring in the Upcoming “Black Nativity” Film

“I’ve always wanted to be the center of attraction, so it (acting) is not that difficult. It opened me up to a new world and amazing actors like Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett.”

Luke James on ESSENCE Fest & His Career