ESSENCE STUDIOS

2020 Weekend 1: Full Event

For the first time in Essence's history, the Essence Festival of Culture goes digital offering 2 weekends of virtual entertainment, empowerment, and education for our communities.

2020 Weekend 2: Full Event

Streaming on Essence Studios, the Essence Festival of Culture's multiday experience features virtual performances featuring leading musical artists, influences, and experts that empower our communities.

India.Arie

India.Arie reminds us that we can adapt to this quarantine by stepping out on faith. She performs "Strength, Courage, and Wisdom' with a live band.

Andra Day

Andra Day sings a soulful rendition of her song 'Rise Up.'

Burna Boy

Nigerian artist Burna Boy gives us some international flavor as he performs 'African Giant' and 'Collateral Damage.'

Diamond Platinumz

Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz gives us some musical flavor from the motherland with the song.

Estelle Ft Chronixx

Estelle performs a live rendition of her song 'Queen' with Jamaican reggae artist Chronixx.

John Legend

John Legend performs his award-winning song 'Glory' with rapper Common.

John Legend Ft. Rapsody

John Legend performs a string of hits including 'Ooh LaLa', 'Actions,' and the soulful 'Remember Us' with rapper Rhapsody.

Nas

We're giving you a 2019 throwback that features Nas performing two of his 90s hits 'I Can' and 'If I Ruled the World' on the 2019 ESSENCE Festival stage.

Queen Latifah

From ESSENCE Festival 2018, Queen Latifah shows support for her fellow queens in rap with her classic song 'UNITY.'

Raphael Saadiq - Ask of You

Raphael Saadiq performs his classic hit 'Ask of You.'

Raphael Saadiq - This World Is Drunk

Raphael Saadiq graces us with an acapella version of 'This World is Drunk,' from his latest album, Jimmy Lee.

Doug E. Fresh

Teach me how to Dougie! Doug E. Fresh gets us hype as he brings us into his world with a classic beatbox and live performance from his home.

Patti LaBelle

The R&B legend and soultress Patti Labelle shines light into our hearts with 'What Can I Do For You,' 'If Only You Knew,' and 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.'

Ooh Child Medley

An all-star choir join together for a passionate and moving rendition of 'Ooh Child.' Spanning different countries -- including South Africa, the UK, the U.S., and Kenya -- we hear from Amanda Black, Lady X, Xenia, PJ Morton, Estelle, Mi Casa, Rowlene, Tamela Mann, and Marvin Sapp.

Common

Common brings classic hip hop vibes to the ESSENCE stage with renditions of 'I Used to Love H.E.R.,' 'The People' and 'The Light.' He's joined later by BJ The Chicago Kid/

New Orleans Tribute

Artists pay tribute to the hometown of ESSENCE Festival of Culture with the Big 6 Brass Band, John Batiste, Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, and PJ Morton.

Sauti Sol

Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol gives a vibrant, soulful performance of their single, 'Brighter Days.'

Bell Biv Devoe

That girl is poison! Bell Biv Devoe take us back in time with a live performance of a few of their classic hits.

Ledisi

R&B singer Ledisi dazzles us with 'Anything for You' and a soulful version of the classic song 'Change Gonna Come.'

Amanda Black

All the way from South Africa, Amanda Black and her live band joins the ESSENCE stage to perform 'Power.'