Frankie Beverly’s Farewell, Usher’s ‘Confessions,’ And More Highlights From ESSENCE Fest 2024
ESSENCE Festival 2024 will forever be stamped as a moment in Black music history.
From July 5-8, attendees from all demographics took over New Orleans to witness the likes of Birdman, Janet Jackson, Victoria Monét, Raphael Saadiq, Usher, Charlie Wilson, TGT (Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese) and SWV while celebrating the legacy of Frankie Beverly and Maze, as Beverly retires from performing at the tender age of 77.
In additional to the nighttime events, festival goers had a host of experiential activations to choose from, including traditional Creole cooking demonstrations and indulging in a visual art tour.
The weekend kicked off with D-Nice’s Club Quarantine Live After Dark featuring Eric Benét, R&B group Jade, J. Valentine, Mike Phillips, Ruff Endz, Sunshine Anderson, and Raheem DeVaughn—hosted by Deon Cole and Bryan-Michael Cox.
The following day, Vice President Kamala Harris surprised the crowd to express her excitement about the 30th anniversary of ESSENCE Fest. Panels about what’s like being a Black actress and Black beauty were among the most notable, as Tank and
J. Valentine hosted a live taping of their R&B Money podcast. That evening, Birdman was joined by Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, B.G. and more to celebrate 30 years of Cash Money. Lil Wayne did perform, but wasn’t a part of the larger reunion.
Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to R&B.
Panels and other pop-up events aside, Tank, Ginuwine, and Tyrese finally reunited as TGT, and all egos were left outside. Usher headlined the concert on Saturday night to commemorate 20 years of his magnum opus, Confessions. Nearly each performance streamed live on ESSENCE’s official website or their YouTube channel except for Charlie Wilson, which was a special treat for in-person guests.
NOLA legends, Tank and The Bangas, Teedra Moses, and Dawn Richard put on for their city as they kicked off the concert that night. Victoria Monét embodied being a student of Janet Jackson, and they both tore down the house. The weekend concluded with a tribute to Frankie Beverly, curated by B. Cox. Doug E. Fresh, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Luke James, Jagged Edge, and more came through to pay homage to the crooner, as he bowed out for the final time.
Check out more highlights from the jam-packed weekend below.
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