via Essence

It looks like the 2017 Essence Festival is about to get a huge dose of girl power, courtesy of the one and only Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige.

We already knew MJB (who is an Essence Fest staple) was set to perform, but now according to Essence, she will spearhead the first ever, all ladies night on the day she takes the stage to headline.

Among the many surprises in store from our star-studded 2017 artist line up is an unforgettable night of music and sisterhood, spearheaded by the queen of Hip Hop Soul herself, Mary J. Blige. For the first time ever, both the ESSENCE Festival mainstage and superlounges will feature an all-female roster of music icons, current trailblazers and rising starlets who will own the night.

Curated by Mary herself and inspired by her upcoming 13th studio album Strength of a Woman, the evening will include performances from Chaka Khan, Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, Monica, Lalah Hathaway, Remy Ma, Teyana Taylor, Jhene Aiko, Lizzo, Ari Lennox, Michel’le, The Jones Girls feat. Shirley Jones, PJ and of course, Mary J. Blige.