New Orleans has been the home of the Essence Music Festival for over 20 years, time to venture to another continent!
For the next two years, 2016 and 2017, the popular music festival will be held in Durban, South Africa. Essence has partnered with the eThekwini Municipality to hold the fun on the motherland. Michelle Ebanks and eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo made the announcement at Durban City Hall yesterday (Oct. 15).
“We are delighted to partner with the vibrant city of Durban to launch the Essence Festival globally in South Africa,” Ebanks said in a press release. “Hosting our first international Essence Festival in Durban purposefully extends our mission to convene the diaspora around shared aspirations.”
The Essence Festival Durban will host both international and local performers. South Africa has been on an economic upswing and a popular destination for a plethora of events. Mayor Nxumalo said, “This partnership will have a host of benefits for residents starting with the Durban Business Fair (DBF) program that strives to connect local businesses globally. The Fair is taking place simultaneously with the Essence Festival launch announcement.”
All you Essence fest regulars will have to get your passports!
