Latest news with #EssenceFestival
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lauryn Hill set for Mzansi comeback - late or not, her greatness still reigns
Lauryn Hill is heading to South Africa, and fans are celebrating the return of a music legend. Image: Lauryn Hill Instagram It's official: Lauryn Hill is coming to South Africa - and fans are in full celebration mode. On Thursday, July 17, the organisers of the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival announced that the iconic Ms Hill will headline the festival's Sunday main stage on September 21 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. And in true Hill fashion, the news nearly broke the internet. The headliner line-up for the day is a dazzling mix of global and local talent. Alongside Hill will be none other than Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Zion Marley and some of Mzansi's finest musical gems - Lira, Mandisi Dyantyis, Zoë Modiga, Oskido and Joyous Celebration Rewind, among others. But it's Hill's name that sent shockwaves of excitement across timelines. Social media quickly erupted with praise and disbelief. @cnehshuga couldn't contain her joy: 'Lauryn Hill is coming to Delicious Fest omgggggggggg.' Noluthando Tshabalala echoed the hype: 'Okay, now we're getting somewhere 🔥🔥🔥.' Leigh Pearson-Adams wrote simply and reverently: 'Wow! Legend in her own lifetime.' And Rofhiwa Silas said what everyone was thinking: 'Now you are talking.' Of course, the jokes followed - as they always do when it comes to Hill's famously unpredictable timing. @Sandra_Phoma posted, 'I hope there's a time-sensitivity clause on that contract.' @Lebohang___N joked, 'DStv Delicious booking Lauryn Hill is hella interesting considering she is always LATE.' And @neoentle_T added: 'I need to be at the DStv Delicious because what if Lauryn Hill does show up and is on time? OMG 😭.' Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading DSTV delicious booking Lauryn Hill is hella interesting considering she is always L A T E... Lauryn's recent LATE performance was at the Essence Festival on July 4th. — Made Woman 👠 (@Lebohang___N) July 17, 2025 But delay or not, Mzansi knows that when Hill steps on stage, magic happens. Hill's journey into the spotlight started early. At just 13, she stepped onto the legendary stage of the Apollo Theater in Harlem - a venue known for building stars and breaking dreams. Even then, though she was nervous, she exuded the kind of strength and authenticity that would define her career for decades to come. Now, at 50, Hill remains as relevant and revered as ever. Her staying power isn't built on gimmicks or PR spin, but on raw talent, fearless artistry and a deep connection to her audience. Hill is that rare kind of artist who can rap like a battle-tested MC and sing like a soul goddess - sometimes in the same verse. Her voice holds emotional weight, her delivery is magnetic and her lyrics? Unmatched. And then came 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' - the album that changed everything. Released in 1998, Hill's debut solo album wasn't just critically acclaimed; it became a cultural landmark. A masterclass in vulnerability, musical fusion and lyrical excellence, the album blended hip hop, soul, R&B, reggae and neo-soul into a sound uniquely her own. With themes of love, self-worth, motherhood and identity, Hill reached across borders and generations. It went on to win five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making Hill the first woman to take home that many trophies in one night at the time. It was a record-setting moment - and one that solidified her place in music history. What sets Lauryn Hill apart is not just the quality of her music, but what she represents. In a male-dominated genre, she stood out - not by conforming, but by being herself. Stylish, conscious, unapologetic and deeply introspective, she redefined the role of women in hip hop and R&B. Artists across genres - from Beyoncé to Adele, Kendrick Lamar to J. Cole, and Rihanna have cited her as a major influence. Fans attending DStv Delicious this year can expect to be taken on a sonic journey through some of Hill's most beloved tracks, including: "Doo Wop (That Thing)" - a timeless anthem about self-respect, relationships and empowerment. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains her biggest solo hit. "To Zion" (featuring Carlos Santana) - a powerful, personal ballad dedicated to her son, reflecting on the choice to become a mother amid industry pressure. "Lost Ones" - a sharp, no-holds-barred track often seen as a response to her fallout with Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean. Its lyrical fire still burns bright. "Turn Your Lights Down Low" (with Bob Marley) - a tender, reggae-infused duet that blends her soulful voice with Marley's timeless essence. Whether you're a die-hard fan who grew up on 'Miseducation' or a Gen Z discovering her genius through samples and social media tributes, one thing is certain: the festival is a moment in history, and Mzansi is ready to bow to the queen. So yes, even if she's late, fans will be waiting.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Coca-Cola Bet On Black Joy —And Won
Close-up image of Essence Festival of Culture attendees during a DJ Sky Jetta session. When mega brands consider their return on investment, they typically reference familiar metrics, including market share gains and customer acquisition costs. Stephanie Eaddy, Coca-Cola's Cultural Marketing Lead, speaks this language fluently. She can identify the methodical approach her company uses to measure sponsorship ROI, from sales lifts to program engagements with customers and bottlers. She understands which key performance indicators drive market share data but also knows that behind every data point lies an authentic connection. Some partnerships create value that compounds over decades rather than quarters, and Coca-Cola's partnership with the Essence Festival of Culture represents this type of commitment, one that has shifted the benchmark of what is possible with culturally attuned marketing. 'It starts with our 30-year celebration as Presenting Sponsor at The Essence Festival of Culture and continues with a focus on creating experiences that celebrate sisterhood, joy, and cultural pride while amplifying community voices,' Eaddy said. 'We carefully crafted immersive activations, panel discussions, musical performances and partnerships with Black-owned businesses from the SOKO Market that take our participation at the festival well beyond a brand moment and more into a celebration of Black culture.' This festival-centered approach is specifically anchored in the South, where Black women wield market influence and cultural authority. 'If you notice across the U.S., particularly the Southern States, you will see shopper marketing programs in retail and at restaurants offering a sweepstakes for a free trip for you and two friends to The Essence Festival of Culture,' Eaddy said. 'Each of these commercial tactics has a set of KPIs, such as brand health, share and first-party data capture. Beyond financial metrics, Coca-Cola focuses on curating meaningful experiences that uplift and celebrate cultural pride. The focus on authenticity, through activations like the 'Summer of Uplift Block Party,' strengthens the emotional connection to the community, ensuring our efforts resonate with Black women.' The partnership between ESSENCE and Coca-Cola dates back to 1995, when Essence Festival was emerging as a cultural touchstone and Coca-Cola was navigating the nascent landscape of multicultural marketing. When competitors cycled through diversity initiatives with a predictable rhythm, Coca-Cola made a different calculation, and instead of regarding engagement as a campaign tactic, it saw an opportunity to create a legacy partnership powered by authenticity and mutual synergy. And through all of this, Black women remained a driving force behind the company's strategic decisions, their feedback shaping everything from activation design to long-term partnership evolution. 'Feedback from Black women is pivotal in shaping Coca-Cola's activations, influencing everything from program design to partnerships,' Eaddy said. 'We incorporate trends into our annual planning process, but we also conduct research to understand where we got it right and how we can improve, and it is one of the reasons why we continue to bring back fan favorites like Coke Karaoke, musical performances, and that gorgeous Coca-Cola giveaway bag.' This feedback-driven approach has also guided the company's expansion into community partnerships and collaborative storytelling. "We work collaboratively with ESSENCE each year to refine how we want to show up together. Coca-Cola always strives to deliver a best-in-class festival experience; that is why we partner with the best in the business across creative, experiential, media and production agencies to challenge one another year after year to deliver a can't-miss experience," Eaddy said. 'Inviting influencers to join us in the storytelling really helped take the story out of the convention center and make it a true conversation piece. Today, you can see how much visibility we get through the social media coverage from D-Nice to artists like Mariah the Scientist.' That social media gravitas has created an organic advocacy among influencers who view the partnership as well-informed rather than transactional. Funmi Ford, an Alabama-based lifestyle influencer who has attended multiple festivals, shares this sentiment and believes that other brands can learn from Coca-Cola's playbook. 'I love that Coca-Cola, such a quintessential American brand invented in Georgia, has helped power and partner with Essence Fest since 1995,' Ford said. 'It has been a 30-year commitment that allows Essence to celebrate Black American culture in all its beauty, resilience and power. I hope more brands that celebrate Black culture will see what Coca-Cola has done and join in on the largest African American music and empowerment event in our country.' Boston-based influencer and fashion stylist Koko Dubuisson also echoed a similar perspective on the partnership's consistency. 'I think Coca-Cola's longstanding partnership with Essence Fest has definitely been beneficial over the years. It's brought a consistent brand presence that everyone recognizes,' she said. The emphasis on recognition speaks to what marketing executives call 'mental availability,' the degree to which a brand comes to mind in relevant purchase or consumption moments. The longevity itself has become a form of social currency. Kanesha Davenport, a Baltimore-based fashion and beauty influencer, articulates this value. 'I believe Coca-Cola's partnership with Essence shows their commitment to everything ESSENCE and Essence Fest represent, especially now when so many of us are skeptical about who really is an ally,' Davenport said. 'It's more than a brand partnership but also a 30-year commitment, investment, allyship and relationship.' This year, Coca-Cola also expanded its community impact initiatives and welcomed the YWCA to the convention floor for the first time, enabling the organization to discuss WE360, a program funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation to offer training and development opportunities to women entrepreneurs. The choice of venue amplifies these efforts. New Orleans has become the optimal backdrop for this cultural investment, and the city's position as a cultural and economic hub for the Black community has made it a core part of Coca-Cola's broader market strategy. 'New Orleans' rich history as a cultural and economic hub for the Black community makes it an ideal destination for the Essence Festival,' Eaddy said. 'The city's vibrant atmosphere and large economic impact provide a dynamic backdrop for the celebration of creativity, commerce, and culture.' Last summer in New Orleans, the Essence Festival of Culture generated over $346 million in local economic impact, part of nearly $1 billion in economic activity the festival has created over the past three years. Each activation across the Southern states feeds into a broader measurement framework. But this partnership also raises questions that other brands should consider. Coca-Cola's success at ESSENCE may be difficult to replicate because it began in 1995, when cultural partnership opportunities were less crowded and consumer skepticism was lower. Today's brands face an audience that has witnessed decades of performative diversity initiatives, especially in the post-pandemic era, and this can make genuine entry points more challenging. Multiple Coca-Cola brands, including Smartwater and Simply Lemonade, have stayed connected to the ESSENCE audience through magazine partnerships, online platforms and social media engagement. This sustained relationship model has deepened brand affinity and driven purchase behavior across multiple touch points. Coca-Cola's approach demonstrates how major corporations can build authentic relationships with specific communities while achieving measurable business objectives. For business leaders struggling with cultural competency, especially in the era of DEI fatigue, Coca-Cola and ESSENCE's layered partnership offers a key, instructive lesson: For any partnership to be sustainable, it must evolve in a way that reflects broader changes in what customers expect, particularly younger, socially conscious consumers. 'Coca-Cola is over 139 years old, so we are always looking for ways to remain relevant and top of mind, but what I think is so special about our brand is that it stands for optimism and delivers joyful moments that everyone can enjoy,' Eaddy said. 'The secret to our success is staying true to who our brand is, telling great stories in authentic ways, and showing up in places and spaces where we add value. Today, that is more often in social media, but it is also in real-life experiences like The Essence Festival of Culture, where we can build programming that reflects the multigenerational consumers we serve every day.' This alignment has also been designed to make a difference among Black women, a traditionally marginalized audience. 'We want to ensure that the ESSENCE woman and the community she leads understand that The Coca-Cola Company and the portfolio of brands we represent are long-standing champions of celebrating Black excellence and joy in ways big and small,' Eaddy concluded. The partnership's three-decade run proves both the potential and limitations of corporate cultural engagement, and although Coca-Cola has created measurable community and economic impact over time, it has also raised questions about scalability and market access for other brands seeking authentic cultural connections.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lauryn Hill speaks on the delays that caused her to play to a near-empty stadium at 2.30am in New Orleans
Lauryn Hill publicly defends herself for 'nonsense' claims in the press about why she was almost two hours late for her scheduled performance at the Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4. The 50-year-old singer, who got on stage at 2.30am to put on a show to a thinned-out audience in New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, was a late addition to the line-up and she was originally scheduled to close out the night hours earlier than she did. The entire night was delayed due to multiple late starts from earlier performers, which culminated in Hill being held up. Performance delays: Lauryn Hill issued a statement spelling out the reasons behind her hitting the stage at 2.30am for her time at Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4 Videos of the Superdome, which has an official capacity of 83,000, showed the practically empty space as Hill performed into the early hours of the morning. While many fans bashed the singer for the late start, especially regarding her history of late performances, Essence Fest also issued a statement on Sunday where it took responsibility for the delay. The event said: '[Hill] arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can. The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched.' Hill said: 'Thank you Essence Fest for clarifying that the delays were not my fault. Family, let me address a few things. 'I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do. 'And for this reason: I rehearse and arrange the music diligently with my band. I am involved in every aspect of design, preparation and production of my shows while also being a parent, grandparent, and steward to my immediate family and community. 'While some get to focus on a single discipline or category, my role requires that I have eyes everywhere and contribute to most if not every department and more. 'I do this without complaint because it is truly a labor of love and great passion for me to be able to perform meaningful music for my audience.' The news of Hill's delayed set was met with much ridicule online, and fans cited numerous performances she'd been several hours late for, which she also addressed. Hill said on Instagram: 'There seems to be a misconception out there though that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I am too important to care. That's nonsense... and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true. 'Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, to the shallow, to the controlled, and to the intentionally limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so. We are here, pushing through the resistance.' Hill continued: 'Ask yourself how and why I'm still standing after years of public effort to defame me? Because someone has to do it! 'I'm often quiet, knowing full well that God fights my battles, but this is not the first time production delays have delayed my performance.' 'This IS however the first time a promoter has acknowledged the slip up on their end, (thank you Essence!) and this will be the last time I'll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone when they aren't.' The singer then seemed to aim at haters: 'Those of you who can no longer extend me grace, I'm OK with that, because it's not your grace that sustains me. It's God's grace that sustains me and the love of fans who appreciate that my message came for them when they needed it most and KNOW that I was probably being punished for being so honest in the midst of big business. 'I will continue to push and play for these and other similar reasons. Those who can't see it yet, catch you when you do.' The singer also addressed the press: 'Media, fact-check and watch what you irresponsibly put out there - there are consequences for misrepresenting the facts. 'Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us. Family, always remember: what the enemy means for evil God will turn around for good! Respectfully, MLH.' Hill also shared a number of pictures of herself performing at the Superdome and a few of the fans in attendance as well as those for her set. Nola News shared video from the sparse Superdome with Hill on stage. In the past, the singer's developed a reputation for going on stage much later than she's originally scheduled to, which many fans mentioned on social media. One said: 'Lauryn Hill is a scam artist and I don't know why y'all keep supporting her.' Another retweeted a message about the late ending with: 'Stop. Booking. Her.' Others defended Hill by clarifying what actually happened. So much to say: X was filled with messages from the star's ardent fans and haters
Black America Web
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Disney Dazzles With Melanin Magic, HBCU Pride & Bayou Blessings From Anaheim To Essence Fest
This summer, Disney is celebrating Black excellence coast to coast with two powerful initiatives: a historic HBCU celebration at Downtown Disney and a royal reveal at Essence Festival, spotlighting creativity and community for the culture. For the first time ever, Disney on the Yard, a program designed to build community among HBCU students and alumni, is bringing its vibrant West Coast YardFest to the Downtown Disney District on July 12, 2025, per a press release. The free, family-friendly event kicks off at 6 p.m. PT and will feature a live DJ, giveaways, and a show-stopping moment: the first-ever appearance of Drum Major Mickey Mouse and his HBCU Drum Major crew at Disneyland Resort, accompanied by the dynamic Brooklyn United Drumline. Guests are invited to rep their alma maters, don Divine Nine paraphernalia, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn. The event is open to the public and does not require theme park admission, though standard Downtown Disney parking rates apply, according to the release. Adding to the excitement, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will hold its 2025 International Leadership Seminar just steps away at the Anaheim Convention Center from July 10 to 13, drawing over 9,600 members, per the press release. The timing presents a unique opportunity for sorority members to participate in both the leadership seminar and the cultural celebration. One of the event's key figures, Aramide Boatswain, who leads marketing and commercial strategy at Disneyland Resort and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, played a major role in bringing this moment to life. In New Orleans, Disney delivered a major cultural announcement at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, unveiling Tiana's Joyful Celebration, a new nationwide traveling exhibition in collaboration with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, according to Disney Parks. Source: Disney Parks / Disney Parks Inspired by the beloved Princess Tiana and rooted in the heart and soul of New Orleans, the interactive exhibit will take visitors on an immersive journey through music, food, crafts, and community traditions, all in the spirit of Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction, which opened at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort in 2024. Source: Disney Parks / Disney Parks The exhibition will make its debut on March 7, 2026, at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, recently named the No. 1 children's museum in the country by USA Today, and will travel to 12 additional cities beginning in 2027, per the announcement. Source: Disney Parks / Disney Parks In the exhibit storyline, guests will join Tiana's neighborhood crew as they prepare for a big Mardi Gras parade that's suddenly moved up. Everyone must come together to contribute their talents to help pull off the perfect celebration in time. As Disney continues to expand its cultural storytelling beyond the parks, these two initiatives reflect a powerful commitment to celebrating Black identity, heritage, and joy in all its forms. Source: Disney Parks / Disney Parks Stay tuned for more details on future Disney on the Yard events and city stops on the Tiana's Joyful Celebration national tour. The post Disney Dazzles With Melanin Magic, HBCU Pride & Bayou Blessings From Anaheim To Essence Fest appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO Disney Dazzles With Melanin Magic, HBCU Pride & Bayou Blessings From Anaheim To Essence Fest was originally published on
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lauryn Hill Performs Strongly in Nearly Empty Stadium Until 3:37 a.m. After Essence Festival Runs Way Behind
Lauryn Hill played to a largely empty stadium Friday night as part of the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, after taking the stage hours after scheduled. While Hill has a bit of a reputation for late shows, this time it appeared out of her hands as Essence's first day as a whole started late on Friday. Hill had been added to the lineup days prior — with the rest of Friday's lineup including GloRilla, the Isley Brothers, Babyface and Maxwell. Coco Jones, who also stars on the Peacock show Bel-Air, was an unannounced performer. Singer Lucky Daye and Kandi Burruss' girl group, Psiryn, were also early performers. More from The Hollywood Reporter Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Leaves Band After 27 Years "Shape of You" Is Apple Music's Most-Played Song The Best Moments From Ozzy Osbourne's Back to the Beginning Farewell Concert GloRilla ended her set when The Isley Brothers had been scheduled to end theirs, forcing the group to start at Babyface's original time. After the Isleys' hour, Babyface didn't start until after midnight, with the the 19-time Grammy winner digging into his substantial songwriting catalog delivering renditions of hits that included Bobby Brown ('Don't Be Cruel,' 'Every Little Step I Take'), Boys II Men ('I'll Make Love to You,' 'End of the Road'), TLC ('Baby-Baby-Baby,' 'Red Light Special'), The Whispers ('Rock Steady') and Toni Braxton ('Another Sad Love Song,' 'Love Shoulda Brought You Home' from the film Boomerang). Maxwell began performing mere minutes before 1 a.m. After delivering several of his hits from his debut album, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, the 'Fortunate' singer cut his set short. Not long after Maxwell's exit, Kenny Burns, an Essence Festival emcee, announced that Hill was in the building. As multiple workers took the stage to change the setup for the beloved star's performance, time kept ticking away. Even as the stage appeared equipped for a performance, the delay continued. Technical difficulties were only announced about five to 10 minutes before Hill was announced to be finally coming to the stage. 'Family is family and around here we protect our own no matter what the PEOPLE have to say,' Essence Festival wrote in a statement on Instagram on Sunday. 'She arrived on schedule,' the fest continued, taking responsibility for the delay and defending Hill. 'Let's be very clear — WE don't play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. She stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can. The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched.' While some fans were giving Hill grief online over the late start, several others came to her defense. Fans who stuck around for Hill's performance got a treat. A robust band of more than 10 members played as Black history montages filled the background screens. Hill emerged in a blue polka dot full-length dress wearing a gele atop her head and a low-hanging statement necklace showcasing what appeared to be fertility figurines. While Hill rarely performs songs as arranged on her critically acclaimed The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the sped-up versions she typically opts for live landed exceptionally well. Her rendition of 'Ex-Factor' packed an emotional punch. So did 'To Zion.' Hill's voice was fierce and clear as she subtly recounted the pressures she faced within the music industry not to carry her first child. 'Essence Festival — 27, 28 years ago, I sang that song about this young man right here. I need you to make some noise for Zion Marley. Come on!' she commanded. After Zion performed a couple of songs, Hill resumed in extremely personable fashion. She later brought out another of her sons, YG Marley, and demanded the audience give him a proper greeting. He rewarded them with a robust but brief performance of reggae songs like his hit 'Marching to Freedom,' reminiscent in tone of those of his iconic grandfather Bob Marley. Hill returned after his performance with even more force, delivering an impassioned rendition of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' in tribute to Roberta Flack, as photographs of the iconic singer who died in February flashed behind her. Asking for permission to do one more song, Hill issued a request to the crowd, declaring that 'I need y'all to get low, come on,' before asking for the Fugees fans in the venue and performing their hit 'Fu-Gee-La,' amazingly high-spirited as she rhymed furiously and only making the song truly recognizable with the 'Fu-la-la' chorus. 'Thank you. Good night y'all. God bless you,' Hill said as she ended the show in the early morning. It was arguably one of her best performances in recent memory, and she delivered it as if the house was packed, even as only the very faithful few remained. Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025
