Entertainment
Essence Festival announces 2023 lineup: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Wizkid, Jermaine Dupri & more
Published
2 years agoon

NEW YORK – Now what you hear is not a test: The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™,
presented by Coca-Cola® is back in New Orleans for its 29th year and a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop.
From fresh fits to lyrical hits, the in-person and virtual experience will both explore and showcase how
hip-hop has impacted every aspect of global culture through daytime programming and nightly shows.
Ever a hallmark of ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ are the live evening performances, which feature some
of the most award-winning hip-hop artists to rock the mic over the last 50 years including headliners Ms.
Lauryn Hill, who will give a special performance of the 5x Grammy-winning album “The Miseducation of
Lauryn Hill” in recognition of its 25th anniversary, and 3x Grammy Award-winning artist, Megan Thee
Stallion. Doug E. Fresh will curate a special performance of hip-hop pioneers, and in honor of So So Def’s
30th anniversary, Grammy award-winning super producer and label founder, Jermaine Dupri, will deliver
a special performance with some of the biggest names in hip-hop to come out of Atlanta. Other artists
joining the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ stage include Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones and Kizz Daniel.
Fans can look forward to laughs every night with evening hosts Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, Spice Adams
and Janelle James, as well as sounds by DJ Spinderella, DJ Kid Capri and DJ Clark Kent. Additional talent
and experiences will be announced soon.
Like hip-hop, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is more than just the music. Attendees will embark on a
celebration of hip-hop’s rich history across stages and experiences throughout the four-day event, which
will kick-off on June 29th. The multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and
celebration extends ESSENCE’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities that will
economically benefit and contribute to local Black-owned businesses.
“For nearly three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ has been an international and joyful
gathering that empowers community throughout the global Black diaspora. As the nation’s largest festival
by per day attendance, it continues to be a crown jewel of Black culture and plays a pivotal role in the
amplification and celebration of the contributions of the Black community through business, music, and
more. As we gear up to celebrate the ‘50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop’, we couldn’t think of a better way to
honor the contributions the genre has made on global culture and the impressions that these artists and
their deep musical catalogs, which we all know so well, have been ingrained into the fibers of our day to
day lives,” said Hakeem Holmes, newly appointed Vice President of ESSENCE Festival of Culture™.
Last year, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ saw 1.9 million live and virtual attendees, increased revenue,
and brought in new and reinvested sponsors – marking the highest revenue and largest audience in its
history. The 2023 Festival is excited to bring back new and returning activations steeped in hip-hop
culture, to celebrate the community, including nightly concerts at the Superdome, ESSENCE Food & Wine
Festival, Beautycon: ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Edition, AFROPUNK: ESSENCE Festival of Culture™
Edition, ESSENCE Center Stage, ESSENCE Marketplace, New Voices Village, Community Corner, ESSENCE
Authors, Global Black Economic Forum and Village, Girl’s United House, ESSENCE Family Day: The Block
and more. The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is presented by Coca-Cola® and major partners, AT&T,
L’Oréal, McDonald’s USA and Target Corporation.
Tickets for the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® are now on sale at
www.ESSENCEFestival.com, where consumers can also find festival information & updates. Join the
conversation on social @ESSENCEFest or experience the festival virtually on ESSENCE.com.
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Entertainment
Get Ready for a Soulful Night with Fantasia Barrino and Anthony Hamilton at Addition Financial Arena
Published
1 day agoon
April 23, 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –If you’re looking for a night filled with unforgettable music, deep emotions, and soul-stirring performances, mark your calendars for April 25, 2025. That’s when two of the most beloved voices in R&B, Fantasia Barrino and Anthony Hamilton, will take the stage at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. This concert isn’t just an event—it’s an experience that promises to move you, uplift you, and make you fall in love with music all over again.
Since her powerful rise to fame as the winner of American Idol, Fantasia Barrino has captivated audiences with her raw, emotional voice and the way she pours every ounce of her heart into her music. Whether it’s the gospel-infused ballads or her sassy, upbeat R&B anthems, Fantasia has a way of making you feel every note, every lyric. This concert will bring her signature mix of powerful classics like “When I See You” and “Free Yourself,” along with newer hits that showcase just how much she’s grown as an artist. Expect to see Fantasia perform with all the passion and energy she’s known for, creating a bond with her audience that feels personal and intimate, even in a large venue like the Addition Financial Arena.
Joining Fantasia is the incomparable Anthony Hamilton, whose velvety smooth voice and storytelling ability have made him a legend in his own right. Known for songs like “Charlene” and “The Point of It All,” Anthony has a rare gift for connecting with his listeners on a deeply emotional level. His music speaks of love, loss, healing, and everything in between, and when he performs, you feel every word as if it’s your own story being told. Fans can expect Anthony to take them on a journey with his soulful melodies, his heart-wrenching lyrics, and his unforgettable stage presence. There’s something about his voice that just resonates, and being able to experience it live is truly a gift.
While Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton are stars in their own right, there’s a special kind of magic that happens when they come together. The two have such distinct, powerful voices that blend beautifully when harmonized, and this concert will showcase that perfect synergy. Whether they’re performing separately or sharing the stage for some powerhouse duets, the energy between these two artists is electric—and the audience will feel it. This is the kind of concert where you’ll find yourself singing along, clapping, and maybe even getting a little emotional, as their voices tell stories that resonate with the heart.
This isn’t just another concert—it’s a chance to witness two of R&B’s finest share their music, their passion, and their stories with you in one unforgettable evening. The Addition Financial Arena in Orlando provides the perfect backdrop for this soulful night, giving fans the perfect setting to enjoy the music up close and personal. So whether you’re an old-school fan of Fantasia’s “I Believe” or you’ve been hooked on Anthony Hamilton’s soulful ballads, this is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s a chance to experience two of the most powerful voices in R&B live, and trust us—this night will be one to remember for years to come.
Tickets for this highly anticipated concert are already flying off the shelves, so don’t wait too long to grab yours at Ticketmaster.com This is the kind of event that you’ll want to experience in person, and once you hear Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton live, you’ll never forget the magic of the night. So, get ready to be swept away by the power of soul, love, and music—April 25, 2025 is the night to remember. Be there!
________________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
Love, Culture, and Comedy Collide in The Wedding Banquet (2025)
Published
6 days agoon
April 18, 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS)- Arriving in theaters April 18, The Wedding Banquet (2025) brings a fresh and heartfelt perspective to the classic romantic comedy, blending cultural tradition, modern relationships, and the complexities of identity. Directed by Andrew Ahn (Spa Night, Driveways, Fire Island), the film is a reimagining of the beloved 1993 movie of the same name, now updated for a new generation with humor, warmth, and a stellar cast.
At the center of the story is Min, portrayed by Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live, Wicked), a gay man who finds himself under pressure to maintain appearances for his traditional family. In a mutually beneficial arrangement, he agrees to a green-card marriage with his best friend, played by Kelly Marie Tran (Raya and the Last Dragon, Star Wars: The Last Jedi), who is seeking access to in vitro fertilization. The plan is simple—on paper.
Things take an unexpected turn when Min’s grandmother makes a surprise trip from Seoul and insists on throwing a full traditional Korean wedding banquet. What follows is a whirlwind of secrets, revelations, and genuine emotion as the pair tries to keep up the façade in front of loved ones while quietly confronting their own personal truths.
Rounding out the cast is Lily Gladstone, whose acclaimed, Oscar-nominated performance in Killers of the Flower Moon made her one of the most compelling actors to watch. Her role adds a grounded presence and emotional depth that further elevates the film’s dynamic ensemble.
This remake arrives at a particularly meaningful moment in cinematic history. The original The Wedding Banquet, directed by Ang Lee and released in 1993, was officially added to the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2023. This prestigious recognition is reserved for films considered “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” ensuring their preservation for future generations. The original broke new ground by bringing Asian American and LGBTQ+ stories into mainstream consciousness, and its selection by the Library of Congress underscores its enduring impact and relevance.
By reimagining The Wedding Banquet through a contemporary lens, Andrew Ahn not only honors the legacy of Ang Lee’s original but also introduces new audiences to a story that still resonates—one that navigates love, family, identity, and the universal human desire to be accepted. The 2025 version embraces both the comedic and emotional beats of the original while creating space for modern perspectives, representation, and storytelling.
With standout performances, sharp writing, and a balance of sincerity and laughter, The Wedding Banquet (2025) is more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a celebration of chosen family, cultural connection, and the beautifully messy ways we find love and acceptance.
Opening April 18—bring tissues, bring laughter, and don’t miss the invitation.
__________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
Viola Davis Leads Amazon Prime’s G20 to #1 Streaming Spot, Redefines Action Hero as U.S. President
Published
1 week agoon
April 16, 2025
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN NEWS) – Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis has once again proven her star power and storytelling prowess in Amazon Prime Video’s newest blockbuster action-thriller G20, which has surged to become the platform’s most-watched movie since its release. Davis not only stars as U.S. President Danielle Sutton, but also served as a producer, helping bring this bold, global political thriller to life after seven years of development.
“This was a long road, but oh, so worth it!” Davis shared on Instagram, celebrating the film’s success. “@JuVeeProductions continues our mission to bring dynamic storytelling, characters, and actors that reflect the world—and, most importantly, to deliver a film that truly entertains.”
A GLOBAL CRISIS. A COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LIKE NO OTHER.
In G20, President Danielle Sutton attends the G20 Summit in South Africa, but when a violent terrorist siege threatens the safety of world leaders and her own daughter, Sutton is thrust into a high-stakes survival mission. With communication lines cut and chaos unfolding, Sutton relies on her elite military background to outwit enemies and prevent a global catastrophe.
This isn’t your typical action flick—G20 is a pulse-pounding, character-driven political thriller that blends intense physical action with deep emotional gravitas. Davis’s portrayal brings raw humanity and strategic brilliance to the role, capturing a leader who is fearless, focused, and unshakably fierce.
BLACK-ISH REUNION, EMOTIONAL DEPTH
The film also features a compelling reunion of Anthony Anderson and Marsai Martin, best known as father and daughter in the hit sitcom Black-ish. In G20, they portray family in a much darker, higher-stakes environment, and their chemistry adds warmth, urgency, and authenticity to the story’s emotional core.
DAVIS’S CAREER MOMENTUM CONTINUES
Following her groundbreaking performance as General Nanisca in The Woman King (2022), Davis has continued to evolve her creative reach:
Narrated Disney’s Candlelight Processional (2022)
Portrayed Dr. Volumnia Gaul in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Voiced the villain in Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Honored as a Barbie doll for International Women’s Day
Reprised her role as Amanda Waller in DC’s Creature Commandos animated series
“SEEING IT TO BELIEVE IT”: VIOLA’S MISSION FOR REPRESENTATION
To prepare for G20, Davis underwent intense physical training, but her purpose was clear.
“I did it to put every young Black girl in this story,” she explained.
“When you see it, you can believe it… So when you get the baton in your hand, that’s your new job—to pay it forward.”
A MOVEMENT IN MOTION
G20 is more than a film—it’s a cultural statement. It proves that blockbuster action thrillers can be inclusive, thoughtful, and empowering while still delivering big on spectacle and suspense. Davis redefines the image of a global leader, showing the world that the face of power is diverse, capable, and here to stay.
Move over, Will Smith—Viola’s got the shades, the stance, and the state of emergency.
Once again, Viola Davis doesn’t just headline a movie—she leads a movement. And with G20 holding strong as Amazon Prime Video’s top-streamed film, the world is watching.
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Florida National News
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Get Ready for a Soulful Night with Fantasia Barrino and Anthony Hamilton at Addition Financial Arena