Essence

Essence Festival 2025 returned to Louisiana with star power and cultural pride, but this year’s edition revealed growing pains beneath the surface.

The Essence Festival is an annual event that celebrates the beauty and richness of Black culture during the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans, often referred to as “the Big Easy.” This year, Hot 97’s Bryson “Boom” Paul provided coverage of the event, which is commonly known as “Your Auntie’s Festival.”

Boyz II Men, Lauryn HillMaxwell, Jill Scott, and Babyface headlined a stacked lineup, with Maxwell’s soulful midnight set earning widespread acclaim. The Isley Brothers and Buju Banton added legacy and energy, electrifying the Superdome crowd.

DAY 1

Day 1 began with dysfunction in production; however, festivalgoers received a warm welcome from brands, pop-ups, and activations across the festival showroom at the Convention Center. The long lines displayed excitement, positivity, and appreciation. Celebrities submerged themselves in the festival and spent the day partying with fans.

New Orleans would treat travelers like family, while locals showcased their pride through cultural attractions. On the grounds and social media, many expressed their enjoyable experience at the recommended eateries.

The evening concert experienced delays, which led to concertgoers choosing to stay at the Caesar’s Superdome until 4 AM. The continuous technical difficulties made the show uneasy. While the legends delivered satisfactory performance, the out-of-our-control issues made the experience forgettable, as fans didn’t desire an encore.

DAY 2

Day 2 was perfect from beginning to end. Fans called it “soul-nourishing,” praising the daytime lineup’s depth and energy. But by nightfall, enthusiasm gave way to complaints about poor scheduling, backstage confusion, and weak promotion.

Social media reactions ranged from disappointment to calls for refunds. Still, solo festivalgoers enjoyed the lively atmosphere and activations, salvaging an otherwise uneven experience.

DAY 3

The afternoon highlights included a raw, candid discussion with reality stars Shamea Morton, Yandy Smith-Harris, and Quad Webb, praised for its honesty. Food critic Keith Lee closed out the festival as one of the biggest draws in the fandom.

Technical difficulties returned but were overshadowed by the unforgettable surprises. LL Cool J stole the show with his surprising set that proved his iconic stature. Bringing back a nostalgic atmosphere, the evening featured heartfelt performances by Babyface, Yolanda Adams, and Boyz II Men.

Master P’s farewell delivered the signature New Orleans bounce that had been missing all weekend. Despite lingering delays and lackluster VIP perks, Day 3 ended on a high.

OVERVIEW

Despite standout performances, the overall atmosphere felt subdued. Fans and vendors noted smaller crowds, lower energy, and logistical hiccups. Lauryn Hill’s set, announced late and delayed until 2:30 a.m., unfolded to a sparse audience. Organizers took responsibility and praised her professionalism, while fans responded with mixed reactions.

Economic factors also shaped the weekend. Travel costs and the July 4th holiday led to a drop in hotel occupancy and vendor pullouts. Still, curated spaces like BeautyCon, Suede Men’s Lounge, and the Food & Wine series offered memorable moments, blending style, wellness, and culture.

Organizers defended attendance numbers, cited over $300 million in local impact, and promised improvements in scheduling transparency. Though not without flaws, the 2025 edition affirmed Essence’s enduring role as a celebration of Black music and identity. The festival continues to evolve, even as it holds tightly to its cultural roots.