The ESSENCE Pageant is without doubt one of the largest cultural celebrations within the Black group. This multi-day occasion contains a 2–3 day live performance sequence full of performances from a few of your favourite artists, all set in New Orleans, Louisiana. Take a look at this yr’s nighttime lineup of live shows that you would be able to’t miss. This yr’s Pageant takes place July 3 to July 5 at Ernest N. Morial Conference Heart and the Night Live performance Collection on the Caesars Superdome.
TRENDING: Babyface, Public Enemy & Leon Thomas Be part of ESSENCE Pageant 2026, Night time-by-Night time Lineup Introduced
Should you’re questioning who’s acting at this yr’s ESSENCE Pageant, look no additional; we’ve received you coated!
TRENDING: Michelle Obama Added To ESSENCE Fest
Friday July 3
Cardi B
Rap celebrity Cardi B is headed to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition, the place she’ll make her extremely anticipated debut efficiency at one of many nation’s premier celebrations of Black tradition, music, and group. Recognized for her electrifying stage presence, chart-topping hits, and larger-than-life character, Cardi B’s look marks her first time acting at ESSENCE Fest, making it probably the most talked-about moments of this yr’s occasion. Followers can anticipate an unforgettable efficiency as she takes the stage in New Orleans for this milestone competition debut.
Kehlani
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kehlani is ready to deliver her soulful vocals, R&B hits, and fascinating stage presence to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Recognized for mixing vulnerability, empowerment, and authenticity in her music, Kehlani has constructed a loyal fanbase with chart-topping tasks and unforgettable reside performances. Her look at this yr’s competition is anticipated to be one of many weekend’s standout moments, as followers collect to expertise her distinctive artistry and highly effective reference to audiences reside on the ESSENCE stage.
Latto
Atlanta rap star Latto is bringing her simple confidence, hit information, and high-energy efficiency fashion to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Since breaking onto the scene, Latto has develop into one in every of hip-hop’s most influential voices, incomes popularity of her daring lyricism and chart-climbing success. As she takes the ESSENCE Fest stage, followers can anticipate a dynamic set full of fan favorites and the commanding presence that has made her one of many largest names in rap at present.
SZN4
Rising vocal group SZN4 is ready to make a serious assertion on the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition as they create their highly effective harmonies and recent sound to one of many largest phases in music and tradition. The breakout quartet, made up of Aaliyah Rose, Donzell Taggart, Cameron Goode, and Katie Roeder, first captured audiences’ consideration on Netflix’s Constructing the Band and has continued constructing momentum with their dynamic performances and rising fanbase. Their ESSENCE Fest look marks a big milestone within the group’s rise, giving festivalgoers an opportunity to expertise one in every of music’s most promising new acts reside.
Michelle Obama
Former First Woman Michelle Obama shall be a featured presence on the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition, bringing her voice, affect, and dedication to empowering communities to one of many nation’s most celebrated cultural occasions. Obama is scheduled to open the competition weekend with a particular reside dialog related to her IMO: The Lookventure, providing attendees an inspiring dialogue centered on identification, confidence, and private development. Her look is anticipated to be one of many competition’s most anticipated moments, including a strong dimension to a weekend devoted to tradition, connection, and celebration.
Saturday, July 4
Brandy & Monica
R&B icons Brandy and Monica are set to take the stage on the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition, bringing collectively two of probably the most influential voices in modern R&B. With many years of chart-topping hits, award-winning careers, and a legacy that has helped form the style, the duo’s look is anticipated to be a spotlight of the competition weekend. Followers could have the chance to have fun the enduring influence of Brandy and Monica as they ship a efficiency honoring their timeless catalogs and lasting affect on music tradition.
Patti LaBelle
Legendary songstress Patti LaBelle is ready to grace the stage on the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition, bringing many years of musical excellence, powerhouse vocals, and timeless classics to festivalgoers. Extensively thought to be one of many best voices in music historical past, Patti LaBelle has impressed generations together with her unmatched expertise and enduring profession. Her look at this yr’s competition guarantees to be a memorable celebration of artistry, legacy, and the lasting influence she continues to have on the world of music.
Leon Thomas
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Leon Thomas is bringing his genre-blending sound and simple expertise to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Recognized for seamlessly fusing R&B, soul, rock, and hip-hop influences, Leon Thomas has emerged as one in every of music’s most enjoyable inventive forces. With a catalog that showcases each his highly effective vocals and distinctive songwriting talents, his ESSENCE Fest look is anticipated to be a standout second, providing followers an unforgettable reside expertise from one of many business’s brightest rising stars.
Josh Levi
Rising R&B sensation Josh Levi is ready to deliver his easy vocals, electrifying stage presence, and simple star energy to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Hailed as one of many style’s most promising younger skills, Josh Levi has captivated audiences together with his mix of latest R&B, infectious melodies, and dynamic performances. As his profile continues to rise, his look at ESSENCE Fest affords followers the prospect to witness an artist who’s shortly turning into one in every of music’s subsequent breakout stars.
Sunday July 5
George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic
Funk pioneer George Clinton and the legendary collective Parliament-Funkadelic are set to gentle up the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition with a efficiency rooted in many years of groundbreaking funk, psychedelic soul, and cultural affect. Recognized for redefining the boundaries of music and stage manufacturing, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic have constructed a legacy that continues to form generations of artists throughout genres. Their ESSENCE Fest look guarantees a high-energy, historic celebration crammed with iconic grooves, larger-than-life showmanship, and timeless hits that helped outline an period of funk music. They are going to be celebrating 50 years of the “Mothership” touchdown in New Orleans.
Babyface
Legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Babyface is ready to deliver his timeless catalog and easy R&B sound to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. With many years of hit-making behind him—each as a solo artist and as probably the most influential producers in music historical past—Babyface has formed the sound of contemporary R&B via numerous classics. His ESSENCE Fest efficiency is anticipated to be a standout second, delivering an intimate but highly effective showcase of the songs and legacy that proceed to outline generations of music lovers.
Public Enemy
Revolutionary hip-hop group Public Enemy is ready to deliver their politically charged lyricism and high-impact stage efficiency to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Recognized for reshaping the sound and message of rap music, Public Enemy constructed a legacy on socially acutely aware anthems that challenged techniques and amplified cultural consciousness. Their ESSENCE Fest look is anticipated to ship a strong, high-energy set full of iconic tracks and the identical urgency and presence that made them probably the most influential teams in hip-hop historical past.
Doug E. Recent
Hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Recent is ready to deliver his legendary beatboxing abilities, crowd-moving power, and old-school classics to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Extensively generally known as “The Human Beatbox,” Doug E. Recent helped form the inspiration of hip-hop efficiency together with his revolutionary vocal percussion and charismatic stage presence. His ESSENCE Fest look guarantees a high-energy celebration of hip-hop historical past, crammed with iconic rhythms, timeless hits, and the unmistakable artistry that made him a dwelling legend within the tradition.
Particular Visitor
Massive Boi
Atlanta hip-hop icon Massive Boi is ready to deliver his signature Southern sound, sharp lyricism, and dynamic stage presence to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Greatest generally known as one half of the groundbreaking duo Outkast and as a profitable solo artist, Massive Boi has performed a serious position in shaping trendy hip-hop together with his ingenious fashion and genre-bending affect. His ESSENCE Fest efficiency is anticipated to be a high-energy celebration of basic hits and Southern rap legacy, showcasing why he stays one of many tradition’s most revered voices.
Scarface
Southern hip-hop legend Scarface is ready to deliver his influential storytelling, gritty lyricism, and timeless catalog to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Extensively thought to be probably the most revered voices in rap, Scarface helped outline the sound and emotional depth of Southern hip-hop via a profession marked by uncooked honesty and basic information. His ESSENCE Fest efficiency is anticipated to be a strong second for followers, highlighting the legacy and influence of an artist whose music continues to resonate throughout generations.
Massive Freedia
Bounce music icon Massive Freedia is ready to deliver explosive power, crowd-commanding presence, and signature New Orleans bounce sound to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Recognized globally as one of many main forces behind the mainstream rise of bounce music, Massive Freedia has constructed a repute for high-energy performances, call-and-response crowd interplay, and unapologetic celebration of tradition and identification. Her ESSENCE Fest look guarantees a nonstop occasion environment and a strong showcase of the sound that continues to outline New Orleans music worldwide.
Nona Hendryx
Trailblazing singer, songwriter, and performer Nona Hendryx is ready to deliver her genre-defying artistry and decades-spanning catalog to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. As a founding member of the groundbreaking trio Labelle and a dynamic solo artist, Hendryx has lengthy been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of funk, soul, rock, and R&B. Her ESSENCE Fest efficiency is anticipated to be a strong showcase of innovation and legacy, honoring a profession that has constantly expanded the probabilities of Black music and efficiency.
Durand Bernarr
Grammy-nominated vocalist and boundary-pushing performer Durand Bernarr is ready to deliver his daring vocal vary, eclectic fashion, and electrifying stage presence to the 2026 ESSENCE Pageant of Tradition. Recognized for mixing funk, R&B, soul, and experimental sounds, Bernarr has constructed a repute as one in every of modern music’s most dynamic reside performers. His ESSENCE Fest look is anticipated to be a standout second, showcasing his artistry, vocal precision, and fearless creativity on one in every of tradition’s largest phases.
