Last year was a major success, and it appears 2013 will be just as big for the ESSENCE Music Awards. Following the major comeback from D’Angelo at last years show, this July will bring Maxwell back to the stage! Along with the soulful crooner, songstress’ Brandy, Jill Scott and Keyshia Cole are among the early artists announced to be on stage in New Orleans this coming July.
The 19th annual celebration of black music and culture will be held July 4-7 at the Superdome and the nearby convention center, where speakers like Rev. Al Sharpton and Rep. John Lewis, a congressman and civil rights leader, will give lectures, the New York Times reports.
Other performers include New Edition, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane and Charlie Wilson, while smaller stages will feature Anthony David, Bridget Kelly, Les Nubians, Mint Condition and the new jack swing legends, Blackstreet.
Maxwell’s performance will come a year after the neo-soul star had to cancel a comeback tour due to vocal hemorrhaging. He is currently working on his fifth studio album, “SUMMERS,'” expected to be released later this year.
