Catch Sauti Sol Performing at Virtual Essence Festival in June and July 2020

Known as "the party with a purpose",the Essence Festival is an annual music, art and cultural festival in New Orleans. It is primarily aimed towards black women in the Americas and the Carribean. For 25 years now, Essence Fest, as it's commonly referred to, has grown to become the most anticipated African-American culture and music event in the United States.

Arguably the biggest summer event for the black community in America, it will for the first time in its history, be a virtual event in the wake of COVID-19.

Traditionally, the festival performances' feature artists simultaneously performing on a main stage as well as four standing-room only superlounge stages.

This year, Essence Fest will be produced as a fully virtual experience spanning two weekends of programming taking place June 25-28 and July 2-5 2020 (Thursdays-Sundays) and will be streamed by Essence Studios. This way, the multi-day experience will be extended to a global audience of viewers.

The virtual performances, summits, panels will include leading musical artists, influencers and experts from around the world including our very own celebrated boy band Sauti Sol. The MTV Africa Awards winners announced the big news on their social media platforms yesterday (23rd June 2020).

"It's an honour to play alongside these great names. This is gonna be a very special virtual experience for the black culture." They tweeted.

Other continental artists selected to perform at the coveted world stage include: Diamond Platnumz, Burna Boy and Amanada Black. See an up-to-date artist lineup and schedule here.

Follow Essence Festival on social media to keep up with the cultural extravaganza that kicks off on 25th June 11 AM ET.