via Essence

2016 is just about to come to a close, but on Thursday, a sneak peek at the 2017 Essence Festival lineup was unveiled, and its shaping up to be one of the hottest parties of 2017.

The annual event will be returning to New Orleans next July and just a few of the many names expected to join the multi-day festival have been announced.

Via Essence:

We’ll be heading to New Orleans to celebrate our 23rd festival in NOLA this July and per usual, some of the biggest names in music are coming along for the ride. This year’s main stage is bringing an eclectic mix of talent with a little of something for everyone, including a first-time performance from the iconic Diana Ross.

“My Path to Strength” — a night of girl power and soul curated by Mary J. Blige — is an evening of performances by some of her favorite women in music, including Chaka Khan, Jazmine Sullivan and Erykah Badu. Solange, John Legend and India Arie also return the main stage, plus, we’ll get a taste of hip-hop’s golden era from NOLA’s own Master P.

Having attending my first Essence Fest in 2016, I must say it was surely an amazing experience to partake in. I look forward to attending in 2017!