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Home • 2013 ESSENCE Music Festival

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival

We hit the Convention Center during the ESSENCE Festival to find out what you want to see at next year's 20th anniversary event. Here's what you had to say.
By Monique Valeris · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Celebrities
Actor Darrin Henson
What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Johnny Nunez
02
Beyoncé

“There would be a bunch of paparazzi, but Beyoncé should come to the Convention Center (for a meet-and-greet). I love her.” – Ari Veal of New Orleans

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Frank Micelotta
03
Janelle Monáe

“I would love to see Janelle Monáe next year. She’s awesome and embodies what a Black woman is supposed to be.” – Melencia Johnson of Aiken, South Carolina

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Walik Goshorn
04
Charlie Wilson

‘I love Charlie Wilson’s music. He really puts on a show.” – Pamela Staples of Roanoke, Alabama

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Walik Goshorn
05
Jill Scott

“I want to see Jill Scott. She is an amazing performer and she brings her A-game every time she hits the stage.” – LaDonna Bryer of New Orleans

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Gus Bennett
06
Gospel Artists
Gospel singer Tasha Cobbs
What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Invision/AP
07
Convention Center

“I like having everything at the Convention Center. The vendors, artists, and hospitality of the staff and guests are all awesome. And Beyoncé is a big seller.” – Lucretia Myers of Charleston, South Carolina

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
David Willems
08
Convention Center

“I enjoy seeing all the vendors and being able to register for all the prizes and free gifts.” – Sandra Miller-Ivy of Tuscaloosa, Alabama

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Scott Threlkeld
09
My Black is Beautiful Booth

“I want to see the My Black is Beautiful booth because they teach younger and older women how to do their makeup.” – Melissa McKenney of New Orleans

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Kathy Anderson
10
Career Zone

“I would love to see more from the Career Zone.” – Nastassia Jones of Little Rock, Arkansas

Photo: ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks and National Urban League’s Marc Morial

What You Want from the 20th ESSENCE Festival
Aaron Thornton