The 2017 ESSENCE Festival is fast approaching and we’ve got plenty in store to make this year’s experience one you won’t soon forget.
ESSENCE Festival 2017 ticket packages are on sale now! For more info about tickets, accommodations and the latest news, visit our Festival page here.
But don’t get it twisted, we’re not new to this!
So while you grab your tickets and assemble your squad to get in formation for this year’s extravaganza, here’s a look back at the many music icons who have blessed the ESSENCE Festival stage over the last 23 years.
OttoKrause/Cristina Coppin
Ludacris was awarded the key to Atlanta for his philanthropy and dedication to the city.
Move over, Sasha Fierce! After Damita Jo was released, Janet Jackson revealed two alter egos: Damita Jo and Strawberry. In 2004, Jackson described Strawberry to Blender magazine as “the most sexual of them all, the wildest.”
The late blues icon was given the keys to Cleveland in 1968.
Gospel singer Yolanda Adams has won a total of four Grammys, including Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for her album, Mountain High…Valley Low.
Brandy Norwood aka Brandy performs onstage during the 6th Annual Black Women In Music event held at Avalon in Hollywood, California.
Lamar was awarded the key to Compton by the town’s mayor Aja Brown.
Monica performs at ‘Christmas In The City’ Concert at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
