The inaugural Essence Festival Durban wrapped on Sunday, presenting international performers and speakers to entertain and inspire, as well as a host of local artists and experts, in Durban, South Africa from November 8-13.
Following the format of the annual Essence Festival New Orleans, the sister event offered aΒ daytimeΒ Empowerment Experience at the International Convention CenterΒ with exciting and informative ideas to equip small businesses through empowerment seminars across various sectors including career guidance workshops and other empowerment initiatives aimed at the youth β featuring appearances byΒ Steve Harvey,Β Phaedra Parks,Β Estelle,Β Kelly PriceΒ and more.
To complement the daytime programming, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriterΒ NE-YOΒ and beloved gospel duoΒ Mary MaryΒ joined the all-star lineup for the nightly concerts at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.Β Additional musical acts includedΒ Wizkid,Β Riky Rick,Β AKAΒ and more.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriterΒ Yolanda AdamsΒ was honored during the eventβs All-Star Gospel Tribute, giving a special performance to close out the momentous weekend.
Steve Harvey, EF Durban Recap:Β ViewΒ here.
Photo:Β (L-R) Essence President Michelle Ebanks,Β eThekwini MayorΒ Zandile Gumede, Steve Harvey and Durban Head of Tourism Phillip Sithole backstage at the opening press conference of the inaugural Essence Festival Durban on November 10, 2016. Credit: Rajesh Jantilal/Essence