Highlights From ESSENCE Fest 2025: Jill Scott, Tamar Braxton, Maxwell, And More

ESSENCE Fest 2025 garnered both praise and criticism. Despite many faulting production and organizers across social media and being able to point out some things that the beloved festival can improve upon in coming years, there were many things that ran smoothly and were enjoyable to the masses. So, here are a few honorable highlights worth mentioning from the Fourth of July weekend.

On day one, Tiny Desk host/series producer Bobby Carter sat with Maxwell to spill the tea behind his Tiny Desk performance. Luke James, Lynn Whitfield, and Jason Weaver of The Chi hosted a special screening and gave insight ahead of the thrilling season 7 finale. Master P spoke on why legacy is more important than fame. Mara Brock Akil detailed her journey from Moesha to Forever. Netflix hosted “A Special Look at The Tyler Perry Universe” with Terri J. Vaughn, Bevy Smith, DeVon Franklin, and Tyler Lepley previewing what’s to come from Tyler Perry Studios. That evening, guests indulged in performances from Coco Jones, Lucky Daye, Ari Lennox, PsiRyn, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Babyface, Maxwell, and Ms. Lauryn Hill.

The following day, Keith Lee spoke on his passion for food and storytelling while Luvvie Ajayi Jones guided budding authors on the process from idea to execution. Nick Cannon and Courtney Bee hosted gave a crash course on Spades 101 as Mariah The Scientist tore down the Coca-Cola stage with her hit single, “Burning Blue.” It was also followed by performances from Donell Jones, Erykah Badu, Buju Banton, Davido, 803Fresh, Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, and Patti LaBelle.

The final day was by far the calmest and full of “you had to be there” moments. Lloyd dominated the Coca-Cola stage. Keke Palmer hosted a live taping of Baby, This Is Keke Palmer with Kandi Burruss as her special guest. Erika Alexander and Kim Coles indulged fans with a conversation about the legacy of Living Single while Quad Webb, Shamea Morton, and Yandy Smith spoke on the evolution of reality television. The last set of shows included a tribute to Quincy Jones curated by Jermaine Dupri and a celebration in honor of Waiting To Exhale‘s 30th anniversary curated by Adam Blackstone along with sets from Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Teddy Riley, Muni Long, Stephanie Mills, Nas, and Boyz II Men.

Check out highlights from ESSENCE Fest below.