What’s Happening? Fans Believe Essence Festival Is Experiencing A Downfall After Including Rappers And Influencers To Its 2024 Lineup

Since 1995, New Orleans has welcomed visitors from across the nation for its annual Essence Festival every Fourth of July weekend. Traditionally, the event celebrates Black culture and music, attracting attendees with a mix of concerts, panels, and vendor showcases. However, recently many people believe the festival is losing sight of its original mission, which they fear could lead to its downfall.

Over the years, Essence Fest has been cherished as a gathering for “aunties,” with older Black women as its core audience. These women have shown a deep appreciation for the festival’s soulful and iconic lineup of performers and panelists. From Patti LaBelle to thought-provoking speakers, the festival has resonated with the lives and values of many older Black women.

However, Essence Fest has recently shifted its vision to appeal to younger generations, featuring newer artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X, JT, and Lizzo. This change extends beyond music, with panels now including younger voices that speak to Gen Z and the growing trend of digital creators. Additionally, Essence Fest has embraced social media influencers as hosts, promoters, and panelists to connect with their younger, tech-savvy audience. As a result, many devoted attendees feel sidelined and believe the festival is straying from its roots.

Despite the criticism, others appreciate the festival’s efforts to evolve and remain culturally significant. Supporters believe younger attendees are crucial for keeping the event relevant, arguing that the inclusion of newer artists and influencers ensures the festival’s longevity. They also claim the festival’s willingness to adapt to modern times shows its commitment to diversifying representation and furthering the conversation of Black culture.

As the debate over the changes continues, it’s essential for the festival’s organizers to find a balance in catering to its diverse demographics. This involves careful planning to ensure both longtime attendees and new guests have a meaningful experience while honoring the festival’s history. This balance will be key to its continued success. Take a look at what social media users had to say below:

They have turned the Essence Fest ghetto 🤦🏾‍♂️

— JeffTheSavage (@_jeffro) July 6, 2024

Why are the Baddies, JT and Raymonte & Co even at Essence Fest to begin with?!! Essence needs to hire me so I can get them back on track because this… pic.twitter.com/skQv4qZrm4

— Terrance, No Howard (@thunter86) July 6, 2024

I could be wrong, but i don’t remember Essence Fest being this ratchet 🤷🏾‍♂️ where is Erykah Badu, Fantasia & Charlie Wilson ?? https://t.co/qffubtY0w5

— Wayne (@MrWayneWoo) July 6, 2024

My mom been saying Essence Fest kinda been going down in quality for years omg wait til I tell her about this lmfao

— PR BARBIE 💞 2 24🤞🏾💜 (@MirdahMoncler) July 6, 2024

Having the baddies at EssenceFest is so crazy omg. It really did start going downhill with the Hot Girl Twerk Contest.

— PR BARBIE 💞 2 24🤞🏾💜 (@MirdahMoncler) July 6, 2024

Not they turned Essence Fest into after hours😭

— Alasmohantas; Soft Thug, Cosmic Sunflower 🌻🪐 (@ItsRezForMe) July 6, 2024

I think it's honestly less about the cost but simply that Essence Fest has had a good run but needs to refresh (or pivot) the brand and figure out what demographic they are truly trying to target. https://t.co/vTq5x0a5hV

— Beige Rage (@cee_pain) July 6, 2024

First social security now essence fest we not finna have nothing when we turn 60

— Darrell (@DarrellRowlette) July 6, 2024

trying to make essence fest appeal to younger generations is where they gon mess up at. let it be for the grown grownups and the aunties.

— Chef From Da Souf (@laurennsierraa) July 6, 2024

Essence Fest should be for the oldies… R&B and Soul….. n*ggas don’t need rappers there

— Darrell (@DarrellRowlette) July 6, 2024