Essence Fest 2023 In New Orleans: Review

Photo credit: Netflix

The 2023 Essence Fest featured all the cool celebrity sightings, educational forums and black girl magic we’ve come to love. Held in its ancestral home — New Orleans — Essence Fest hosted a dazzled amount of events cast over three days.

One highlight was the Bevelations Live panel, which included the cast of Survival of the Thickest cast, a new Netflix movie. The film features Michelle Buteau and Tasha Smith and The Upshaws cast member, Kim Fields. The panel was moderated by Bevy Smith.

There was also the Bevelations Live and the They Cloned Tyrone-themed Lemon Pepper Wet Party were hosted at the Chicory in New Orleans.

Key attendees for each of the events include Sherri Shepherd, Derek J, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Big Krit and Terrence J.

About Survival of the Thickest

Release Date: July 13, 2023

Logline: Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single (not by her choice!), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. Sheâ€™s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss. The scripted comedy is based on Buteauâ€™s acclaimed book of essays.

About They Cloned Tyrone

Release Date: July 21, 2023

They Cloned Tyrone is one of many Netflix movies filmed in Atlanta.

Logline: A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (Boyega, Foxx and Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper.

Watch They Cloned Tyrone on Netflix.

Bottom Line

I immensely enjoyed Essence Fest this year, although there were so many events that I couldn’t attend all of them. Call me optimistic, but I hope that the organizers look into making it a seven-day festival or over two weekends — like Jazz Fest — so that we can enjoy more of it.

Final Word

If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.

Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.

Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.

More From NolaFi.com:

James Johnson

James Johnson is a writer originally from New York City. She has lived in the South for the last 15 years and enjoys Creole cooking and shrimp and grits.