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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 · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Full Force

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
02
Loc Star

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
03
Braided Beauty

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
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.

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
05
Signature Style

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
06
Naturally Glamorous

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
07
Beautiful Textures

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
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.

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
09
Fabulous ‘Fro

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
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!

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
11
Lovely Locs

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

Our 11 Favorite ESSENCE Fest Naturalistas
Michael Rowe
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