The 2025 ESSENCE Competition of Tradition® introduced by Coca-Cola® is again in New Orleans from July 4–6, celebrating 55 years of ESSENCE Journal with the theme “Made Like This.” This yr’s pageant honors Black tradition with intentional, impactful experiences and nonstop leisure that spans generations.
Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns, the Night Live performance Sequence will showcase legends and rising stars alike. Boyz II Males, R&B Icon Maxwell, Davido, Grasp P, Summer season Walker, Legendary Corridor of Famers The Isley Brothers, beloved R&B singer and songwriter Donell Jones, multifaceted hitmakerMuni Lengthy, and lyrical legend Nas, Grammy award-winning reggae celebrity Buju Banton lead the primary wave of performers.
A standout tribute curated by Grammy award-winning tremendous producer Jermaine Dupri—ESSENCE Flowers—will honor the legendary Quincy Jones in a can’t-miss celebration of his cherished musical legacy.
Competition goers may benefit from the return of fan-favorite experiences like BEAUTYCON™, ESSENCE Meals & Wine Competition™, ESSENCE Movie Competition®, and extra. This yr’s celebration is not only about music—it’s about tradition, empowerment, and legacy.
From the web page to the stage, the ESSENCE Competition continues to be a cornerstone of Black excellence—and this yr, it’s going even larger.
Get able to expertise the tradition like by no means earlier than—as a result of we had been “Made Like This.”
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