Ahead of the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, the organisers have revealed a star-studded lineup. Award-winning singer and songwriter Babyface will bring years of masterful delivery to the festival stage, while Jill Scott will host a curated Jill Scott & Friends performance—an homage to “Philadelphia and its soulful lineage.” Scott and Babyface will be joined by the legendary Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, and Jazmine Sullivan.

Another highlight for attendees to anticipate is the Quincy Jones tribute, titled Essence Flowers: A Quincy Jones Joint. This segment is dedicated to celebrating his life and musical brilliance. The tribute will feature performances from artists who have either collaborated with him or have been influenced by the iconic music producer. These artists include Tyrese, Al B. Sure!, Robin Thicke, SWV, Xscape, The Pharcyde, and Mobb Deep.

The festival will be held from July 4-6 at the Caesars Dome in New Orleans, and it will be hosted by Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns. The theme for this year’s festival is “We are Made Like This,” which, according to the organisers, “serves as both an affirmation and a rallying cry, as it speaks to the generations of Black brilliance that have shaped the world and continue to move it forward.”

It looks like this year’s Essence Fest edition is largely dedicated to celebrating icons, as Percy Robert Miller, popularly known as Master P, will also take the stage to give his final festival performance. This performance by the rapper and music producer not only represents a celebration of his legacy, but also cements his impact on music. He will be joined on stage by No Limit Soldiers, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dru Hill, and Keri Hilson. Other artists set to entertain guests at the festival include Buju Banton, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Nas, Summer Walker, Donell Jones, Davido, Boyz II Men, and Muni Long.

With a lineup like this, it is evident that this year’s festival offers a magnificent blend of old and new music, deeply rooted in Black culture—making it an exhilarating showcase of Black excellence.