The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is returning to New Orleans for its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of Black culture, music, and joy. The Evening Concert Series at Caesar’s Superdome will feature an array of talented performers, including Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr.
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has quickly become one of the most popular musicians in the world. Her rise to fame began in 2019 when she posted covers of notable artists’ songs, followed by her original song “Damage,” which led to her signing with Mavin Records. Her mainstream success came in 2021 with the hit track “Away,” and her first solo release, “19 & Dangerous,” achieved critical acclaim and two Top 40 hits in her homeland. The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” made history as the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one spot.
This year has been a remarkable one for Starr, with a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, being announced as an opening act for Chris Brown’s arena tour, and becoming the first female Nigerian artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her addition to the ESSENCE Festival lineup further solidifies her upward career trajectory.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture, presented by Coca-Cola, will take place from July 4-7, offering a legendary music lineup, an atmosphere of Black joy, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.