ESSENCE After Dark™ MUSIC returned in-person at Republic NOLA and kicked off World Night with whining waists and shaking hips.

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, singer, songwriter and producer Pheelz opened with a performance of his latest single “Finesse” and hyped the group with a call and response, “We Outside!”

In a while within the evening, which was sponsored by Coca-Cola, HoodCelebrityy noted how comfortable she was to be among the many artists performing as ESSENCE Fest returned live to Latest Orleans. Her unforgettable performance included a serenade of the women, where she told one woman, “Yo! I like your energy. I feel you’re my latest best friend tonight.” “That’s what I’m about: women empowerment,” she shared in an interview after her performance.

The night continued with communal joy. From current Dancehall and Afro-beats hits to throwback Reggaeton, the group fed off of one another’s energy, and the entire night, it was up! “It’s giving block party vibes,” said radio personality LORE’L, who hosted the show with DJ Scratch.

Kranium kept the vibe flowing, while Mr. Vegas ended the night along with his dancers within the audience. HoodCelebrityy’s shakers enthusiastically joined the fun, and the artists and audience laughed and danced like old friends.

The black joy was contagious and full. The night was, as Mr. Vegas would say, BLESSED. 

See more highlights from World Night at ESSENCE After Dark Music in the photographs above. For more of all the pieces you missed on the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, visit our official content hub HERE.