The Essence Competition of Tradition 2025 introduced all of the vibes—stay music, highly effective conversations, infinite dancing, and a celebration of Black tradition in each type. Held on the Ernest N. Morial Conference Heart from July 4 to July 6, this yr’s competition embraced the theme: “Boundless. Limitless. Made Like This.”
Every day kicked off with a guided meditation to heart the thoughts and set the tone, adopted by a full schedule of experiences from 10 a.m. to five p.m.—full of music, DJ units, performances, thought management, and naturally, line dancing all throughout the venue.
Whereas studies famous a dip in ticket gross sales and a few vendor pull-outs, the competition remained vigorous and well-attended, with distributors of all types exhibiting out—from Black-owned bakeries to magnificence manufacturers, well being and wellness merchandise, style, and extra.
Day 1 Highlights
Bobby Carter, host of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert events, supplied an unique behind-the-scenes take a look at Maxwell’s Tiny Desk efficiency—joined on stage by the artist himself.
The solid of The Chi—together with Luke James, Lynn Whitfield, and Jason Weaver—hosted a particular screening and hearth chat, providing followers a glimpse behind the scenes of the beloved sequence.
A standout second was the highly effective presence of New Orleans native and mogul Grasp P, who shared insights into his mindset, hustle, and journey from the Calliope tasks to turning into a enterprise icon. He spoke of how basketball saved his life, why group reinvestment issues, and the way legacy outweighs fame.
Now serving as President of Basketball Operations on the College of New Orleans, Grasp P additionally introduced that his July 6 efficiency could be his final time performing “Make ‘Em Say Uhh,” as he shifts his focus to mentorship and group impression.
Netflix introduced “A Particular Take a look at the Tyler Perry Universe,” that includes Terri J. Vaughn, Bevy Smith, DeVon Franklin, and Tyler Lepley, together with a sneak peek at Madea’s Vacation spot Wedding ceremony, releasing July 11.
Rising R&B star Leon Thomas lit up the AT&T stage with a stripped-down, soulful set. Armed with simply his guitar and uncooked vocals, he captivated followers with hits like “Mutt,” “How Quick,” and “Sure It Is”—proving stay expertise nonetheless reigns.
The Caesars Superdome night live performance was an evening of stars: Coco Jones, Fortunate Daye, Ari Lennox, GloRilla, and legends like The Isley Brothers, Babyface, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill closed out the night time with a medley of her traditional hits—sure, a bit late, however nicely well worth the wait.
Day 2 Highlights
Day 2 balanced enjoyable with function, providing a mixture of innovation, music, and soul-nourishing conversations.
Twitch creator Zoe Spencer led a session offsite at ‘Widespread Home New Orleans,’ discussing how streaming is reshaping interactive leisure.
Raheem DeVaughn, celebrating 20 years of The Love Expertise, mirrored on longevity, staying grounded, and his advocacy work round HIV testing and prevention. Now internet hosting The Authentic Quiet Storm on 96.3 WHUR, he stays one among R&B’s hardest-working voices—and his ‘Quiet Storm Lover Tour’ continues to attach with followers.
Mariah the Scientist and Coco Jones introduced extra music to life on the Coca-Cola and AT&T phases, respectively.
Nick Cannon and Courtney Bee introduced humor and tradition with a Spades tutorial for these needing to sharpen their abilities—as a result of sure, your Black card depends upon it.
On the World Black Financial Discussion board stage, highly effective voices like Melanie Campbell, Derrick Johnson, Janai Nelson, and Marc Morial addressed the state of civil rights, 61 years after the Civil Rights Act.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined Linsey Davis for a keynote reflecting on management, legacy, and her historic rise to the U.S. Supreme Courtroom.
TV One and CLEO TV celebrated Black meals and life-style by participating content material and appearances from Chef JJ, the Smollett siblings, Tamar and Evelyn Braxton, and extra.
The night culminated in a soulful hometown celebration as Jill Scott introduced “A Philly Jawn” with fellow Philly legends Jazmine Sullivan and Patti LaBelle — a powerhouse collaboration that paid tribute to the center of Black music and sisterhood.
Day 3 Highlights
The ultimate day closed out robust. Keke Palmer and Kandi Burruss took the principle stage for a stay taping of Palmer’s podcast “Child, That is Keke Palmer,” which included a primary take a look at her upcoming Prime Video movie “The Pickup.”
Comic Druski opened up about entrepreneurship, brand-building, and staying genuine in a uncooked and humorous dialog on the SUEDE: Males’s Expertise stage.
Sheryl Swoopes spoke candidly about management, legacy, and the ability of sports activities in tradition.
An all-star panel of ladies from ABC exhibits like Gray’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, and Will Trent took the stage for a dynamic dialog on illustration in tv.
On the Essence Movie Competition, Past the Headlines: The NABJ Journey was screened, honoring 50 years of advocacy, reality, and fairness from the Nationwide Affiliation of Black Journalists.
The night live performance—hosted by Keke Palmer and LaLa Milan—was a finale to recollect:
Honey Bxby kicked off the night time with vitality and contemporary vocals. Muni Lengthy delivered a soul-filled set. Doug E. Recent, with shock visitors Slick Rick and Teddy Riley, introduced the old-school warmth.
Ready to Exhale – A Particular Live performance Curation by Adam Blackstone featured tributes from Andra Day, Yolanda Adams, Deborah Cox, and extra. A touching Quincy Jones tribute, curated by Jermaine Dupri, featured performances from Tyrese, Robin Thicke, XSCAPE, MC Lyte, Mobb Deep, and SWV—with a shock set from LL COOL J. Nas delivered a lyrical masterclass, reminding the gang of his unmatched affect in hip-hop.
Grasp P took the stage one final time with The No Restrict Troopers, joined by Romeo, Cymphonique, Silkk the Shocker, and others—closing his efficiency legacy with hometown satisfaction.
Lastly, Boyz II Males introduced the home down with their signature harmonies, wrapping up the weekend in soulful style.
55 Years Robust
For over 5 many years, Essence has hosted this iconic competition—a residing, respiratory celebration of Black excellence, creativity, resilience, and unity. In 2025, it reminded us as soon as once more that when the tradition exhibits up, it exhibits out—and that the Essence Competition of Tradition is greater than a celebration—it’s a motion.
For extra on the Essence Competition of Tradition 2025 click on right here.
* (Picture Credit: Getty Photos for ESSENCE)