Essence has announced that Prince will be the headlining act for its annual 2014 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. The 2014 fest will mark the 20th anniversary of the highly anticipated festival.
“Welcoming an artist as iconic as Prince back to the Essence Festival for a 20th anniversary performance is incredibly exciting,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence.
Essence has also announced that they will be partnering with Prince on a community initiative led by the Rebuild the Dream Innovation Fund, which encourages young people to explore the fields of computer technology and media.
Prince last performed at Essence in 2004 to mark the festival’s 10th anniversary. The 2014 festival is set for July 4-6 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Last year’s performers were Jill Scott, Brandy, Janelle Monáe, Emeli Sandé and Maxwell with Beyoncé as the headlining act.
