The Essence Festival’s 20th anniversary set a record for annual attendance, with more than 550,000 participants celebrating over 4 days this past weekend in New Orleans! “I woke up this morning and felt a great sense of pride and gratitude,” Essence Communications Inc. president Michelle Ebanks said about the feat. The annual show this year included amazing performances highlighted by Prince, Richie, Charlie Wilson, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Trey Songz and more.

They’ve already begun work on next year’s event, which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the magazine.

Marisa Mendez

Source: Billboard