Photo by: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence
EssenceFest 2022 was and continues to be the place where you could enjoy being surrounded by nothing but unadulterated Black excellence!
This year’s Essence Fest offered music lovers a cross-generational lineup of artists in addition to setting records as the festival’s highest-grossing event in its 27-year existence, not to mention countless memorable moments.
Here are some of our favorite moments of EssenceFest 2022:
Janet Jackson’s Sensational Performance
Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty
One of the weekend’s most anticipated headlining performances was Janet Jackson’s!
The 56-year-old entertainer, one of the most popular recording artists in the world, didn’t let his fans down when he performed for two hours in front of more than 48,500 festival attendees.
Her set comprised her most well-known classics, such as “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “That’s The Way Love Goes,” and “Escapade,” in honor of her nearly four-decade-long career.
Needless to say, Ms. Jackson did not come to play!
Patti Labelle Brings Out Debbie Allen
Source: Erika Goldring / Getty
Patti LaBelle hosted a special tribute event on Saturday night to honor her accomplished career.
Beyond her exceptional vocal range, Ms. LaBelle’s stage presence was unmatched, and her outstanding vocals alone deserve a standing ovation!
To make the performance even more unique, Debbie Allen, an actress, dancer, and choreographer, appeared on stage alongside LaBelle, and they sang some of her most well-loved songs and danced to her 1974 hit, “Lady Marmalade.”
Chef Jernard Takes Over CLEO TV’s IG
Our very own Chef Jernard Wells took over our Instagram account and showed us some of EssenceFest 2022’s most iconic moments!
From an exclusive interview with Exercise in Fertility’s director Robyn Greene Arrington, showing us the authentic culture of NOLA to capturing the iconic performances of the festival’s acts, Chef Jernard really captured the true essence of #BlackExcellence!
New Edition Shuts Down EssenceFest
Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty
“It’s The Black Joy for Me,” the festival’s catchphrase, rang true in the arena as the weekend came to an excellent performance from New Edition!
Fans sang along to the six-member R&B group’s classics, creating a feeling of love and community throughout the stadium.
Their hit song “If It Isn’t Love,” which the group used to cap off their performance, wonderfully captured the festival atmosphere and brought together fans of all ages.
Hip-Hop Legends Represented the Movement
Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty
Unprecedented hip-hop legends were on the weekend’s roster.
A few of the performers who adorned stages and delighted crowds during the three-day event included Nas, Method Man, Mannie Fresh, Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, The Roots, Doug E. Fresh, The Lox, and Lil Kim.
Nicki Minaj Shuts Down the First Night
In her eagerly awaited comeback, Nicki Minaj ruled the main stage at the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture concert with an hour-long set that included both her chart-topping blockbuster hits and her fan favorites.
When Nicki performed on the ESSENCE stage for the first time in front of a sold-out Caesar’s Superdome crowd in New Orleans, she undoubtedly surpassed fans’ expectations!
Undoubtedly, we are excited to engage in that kind of Black magic again next year!
Tell us what was your favorite moments of EssenceFest 2022!
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