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 a daytime Empowerment Experience at the International Convention Center 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 – featuring appearances by Steve Harvey, Phaedra Parks, Estelle, Kelly Price and more.
To complement the daytime programming, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter NE-YO and beloved gospel duo Mary Mary joined the all-star lineup for the nightly concerts at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Additional musical acts included Wizkid, Riky Rick, AKA and more.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Yolanda Adams was honored during the event’s All-Star Gospel Tribute, giving a special performance to close out the momentous weekend.
Steve Harvey, EF Durban Recap: View here.
Photo: (L-R) Essence President Michelle Ebanks, eThekwini Mayor 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