ESSENCE Festival of Culture has tapped Teyana Taylor and her creative collective, The Aunties, as Chief Curator for its 2026 festival.
Announced on Wednesday (Mar 18), the newly minted role will see Taylor leading the creative direction within ESSENCE’s programming, talent, and community teams.
We said ladies first, and we meant it. Not just on the stage, but behind the scenes too,” the statement read. “We are excited to announce Teyana Taylor is stepping in as Chief Curator for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival.”
The chief curator announcement follows the festival’s earlier reveal of its initial 2026 performer lineup, which organizers framed around a “Ladies First” theme. Artists announced include Brandy & Monica, Patti LaBelle, Latto, Cardi B and Kehlani. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
“You asked and we heard you loud and clear,” organizers said in the earlier announcement. “The countdown to ESSENCE Festival has officially begun and in true ESSENCE fashion, we’re starting with Ladies First.”
This will be Cardi B’s first full Essence show. She’s currently on the road with her Little Miss Drama Tour.
Brandy and Monica, who recently appeared together on the cover of Essence magazine, spent part of 2025 touring as a duo for the The Boy Is Mine Tour.
In addition to Cardi B, Latto and Kehlani will make their debut as performers at the 2026 ESSENCE fest.
The festival takes place during Independence Day weekend, July 3 – July 5, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster. Fans can buy three-day ticket packages, but for fans using the E360 app will get more special offers and instant updates about all the festivities.