Essence Fest 2020 lineup (Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae, Patti LaBelle & more)

Essence's annual festival from July 1 to 5 returns to Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans for release in 2020 and the festival has revealed most of its qualities. The main artists this year are Janet Jackson and Bruno Mars, alongside the main stage performances of Janelle Monae, Ari Lennox, Patty Labelle, Rafael Sadiq, Safar Walker, and Swiss Betz, as well as a group directed by "Reggie Aforbets". By Estelle, and with Afro B, Chronixx, Elephant Man, Kranium, Max Glazer, Maxi Priest, and Shenseea.

Elsewhere, she will do other cool acts in Superlounge, including Jidenna, Saweetie, Tamia, SIR, June's Diary, Doug E. Fresh, Kiana Lede, Rapsody, Casmé, D Smoke, Demi Grace, Elah Hale, Goldah, Jamesdavis, Kitty Cash, Leikeli47, Masego, Mr. Eazi, Oswin Benjamin, Smino, Stokley, Tank and the Bangas, Teamarrr, The New Respects, Umi and more.

Tickets and permits are on sale now. Essence CEO Michael Ebanks honored the 50th anniversary of publication in a statement:

This is a historic year for ESSENCE and our community, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of opportunities for our culture to shine and the role of black women so we can do what no other brand has done. In order to be able to say that we are fifty, we are owned by black people, diversified in the media, technology, trade and live events, and we influence our culture in new and deeper ways than ever before, grace, and a culture of tremendous responsibility towards our society to continue development, innovation, and transformation. This remains our focus and commitment as we work to ensure that we serve here deeply black women and promote black culture, economic property, and integration around the world for the next fifty years.