Essence Festival of Culture is under scrutiny while celebrating its 30-year anniversary in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite the plethora of pictures and festival-goers sharing that they are thoroughly enjoying themselves, a slew of festival critics have shared that the vibe has changed considerably from what it once was.
According to several social media posts sourced by Neighborhood Talks, folks are seemingly turned off by an appearance from the “Baddies” from Zeus network and the festival being geared toward a younger demographic. Following a post on Essence Festival’s X profile that gave a shout out to the Baddies and former City Girl JT.
Done went from Auntie fest to a Zeus Network reunion. pic.twitter.com/3ju5RjZHCw
— ⋆ ᵀᴬᴱ ⋆ (@hardtingz) July 6, 2024
X user @Olai commented, “I’m so tired of staple black publications/ platforms inviting reality tv girls to everything. It literally cheapens the brand. Zeus tv should be nowhere near ESSENCE FEST.”
@Darla Darlington asked “Can you guys turn this back into an Aunties event + send the nieces somewhere else?”
Social media user @Tanzanian4real also questioned the shift asking,
“But y’all were classy and aspirational! What’s the essence of this?!”
Another person added, “I thought essence was catering to the 40+ group.”
Essence Festival of Culture, once called Essence Music Festival, has taken place in the Crescent City over the last three decades with the exception of 2006, when the Fourth of July event took place in H-Town post-hurricane Katrina and in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when the festival occurred virtually. The event draws businesses, entertainers, experts and festival goers who are largely Black women from across the country, inviting all entities to an opportunity to fellowship, network, vend and perform.
Ironically, the theme around this year’s Essence festival is “passing of the torch,” Essence Festival vice-president Hakeem Holmes told NOLA.com about the company’s concept for the event.
“When we’re looking at how to shape cross-generational cultural moments, that is what we’re looking for. To have a sort of passing of the torch at our event.” Holmes said. This idea is exemplified in the lineup of performers who stand on the shoulders of those who came before them, for example, Victoria Monet and Janet Jackson, as well as Usher and Frankie Beverly, who recently completed his Farewell Tour.
Adding to the shifting dynamic of the notable festival, footage circulating TikTok suggests people aren’t showing up like they once used to—not even for notable artists like Busta Rhymes. A Panoramic view of the Smoothie King stadium shows an extremely light audience by way of empty seats.
@itsherjanai Babyyyy I aint never seen it this empty!!!! Whats going on 😭😭😭😭 #essencefestival2023 #essence #neworleans #essencefest ♬ original sound – JaNai🌼
Additionally, the “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” rapper had an uncle moment when he took the stage at Essence Fest and was compelled to tell those who were in attendance to put their cellphones away.
“I’m gon’ point every last one of y’all out until y’all asses is up,” he said.
“33 years of this s—t. I ain’t used to n—as sitting down at my show. I don’t give a f—k. All age groups, get your ass up, now.”
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Minus the cussing out of his audience, Method Man expressed a similar sentiment on Instagram when he decided he was done performing at Hot 97 Summer Jam back in June because he felt disconnected to his audience.
“Not our crowd at all,” Meth commented. “Thanks again, New York and the whole tri-state (that showed up to the event), plus Pete and Ebro. I got love for you guys, but never again…at this point, the generation gap is just too wide for me.”
The concert lineup and festival activations are a mixed bag that may or not appeal to every attendee. Vice President Kamala Harris pulled up and talked shop with Essence CEO Caroline Wanga, tennis champion Serena Williams popped out at BeautyCon and popular retailers like Ruby Buah founder and creative director of KUA Designs and Mikaela Pabon, founder of Dressed in Joy, were vendors on the conference floor at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where foot traffic was seemingly light compared to previous years.
“It ain’t the same” said one attendee. I remember coming here and being overwhelmed by the crowds and all the shopping.”
Essence has not yet responded to the criticism. However, this moment of “passing of the torch,” may actually be a sign of the times.
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