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Home · Hair

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas

Over the years, naturalistas such as Ledisi and Angie Stone have garnered standing ovations on the Superdome stage during the ESSENCE Festival. This year's lineup includes curly girls Erykah Badu and Floetry. Here's a flashback of our fave natural 'dos.
By Nicole Marie Melton and Deena Ca · June 30, 2015October 27, 2020
01
Full Force

Flaunting incense and an afro, Erykah Badu had her fourth ESSENCE Music Festival performance in 2003.

02
Loc Star

At the 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival, Ledisi took the stage in her signature crimson locs.

03
Braided Beauty

Songstress Heather Headley graced the 2003 ESSENCE Music Festival stage wearing micro-braids with loose, curled ends.

04
Cascade of Curls

Vocal powerhouse Stephanie Mills thrilled audiences at the 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival with her old school hits and long, flowing curls.

05
Signature Style

At the 2005 ESSENCE Music Festival, we spotted Alicia Keys rocking out in chic shades and her trademark cornrows.

06
Naturally Glamorous

Jada Pinkett Smith visited New Orleans for the 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival in an intricate braided up-do.

07
Beautiful Textures

Lalah Hathaway delivered her 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival performance wearing freshly twisted locs with honey highlights.

08
Soul Stirring

Neo-soul star Angie Stone serenaded the ESSENCE Music Festival crowd for the first time in 2000 in a big, burgundy afro.

09
Fabulous ‘Fro

At the 2010 ESSENCE Music Festival, Jill Scott dazzled onstage with her soul-stirring vocals and eye catching afro.

Getty Images
10
Golden Touch

At the 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival, Macy Gray sang her old and new jams in a textured halo of golden curls.

Are you ready for the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival? Don’t forget to get your tickets!

11
Lovely Locs

Ledisi belted her heart out at the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival wearing her crave-worthy crimson locs.

Michael Rowe

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