Essence Festival 2023: Revitalizing Black Culture, Nollywood, and Hip-Hop
The 2023 Essence Festival of Culture, led by Caroline Wanga and Hakeem Holmes, aims to revitalize the festival and reflect a more forward-leaning vision. The festival celebrates hip-hop's 50th anniversary and features headliners such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Megan Thee Stallion. Wanga and Holmes emphasize the need for innovation and staying in tune with the Black cultural zeitgeist, even if it means some longtime attendees may not approve. The festival's history has predominantly focused on classic R&B, but this year marks a generational shift and transformation for Essence Fest.