ESSENCE Festival Enlists Robomagic, C-Squared and Famous Concerts To Co-Produce Its First Ever Event In Durban, South Africa

11 October 2016 - Press release

Esteemed music and culture event ESSENCE Festival has teamed with Robomagic, to co-produce its inaugural offshoot which is set to take place in Durban, South Africa this November.

ESSENCE Festival, also known as “the party with a purpose”, is an annual multi-day entertainment, empowerment and cultural gathering that began in New Orleans in 1994. It is the largest celebration of African-American culture and music in the United States and earlier this year organisers confirmed that a brand new sister event will take place in Durban, South Africa on 8-13 November.

Rob Hallett will co-produce the Durban event alongside Ben Moseme, CEO of C-Squared Group and Mike Fuller, Managing Director of Famous Concerts. ESSENCE Festival in Durban will feature international superstars such as Yolonda Adams Wizzkid and NE-YO,plus the biggest homegrown talent including Black Coffee ,Cassper Nyovest, Babes Wodumo, Big Nuz and Joyous Celebration. Kelly Price, Estelle, Rev. Al Sharpton and Shaun T, amongst others are also confirmed to give inspirational talks.

Rob Hallett, CEO Robomagic commented: “The ESSENCE team have created an incredible event with a really important message. Through entertainment, they are inspiring and empowering hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Our goal is to repeat the success of New Orleans on an even bigger scale in South Africa. We’ve got some exciting plans for the next few years and I’m looking forward to being a part of the team growing the most important festival in Africa.”

ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans attracts an audience of over 450,000. Previous performers have included Mariah Carey, Ciara, Faith Evans, Kendrick Lamar, Babyface, Puff Daddy & The Family and Shaggy. Oprah Winfrey and Tyra Banks are among the festival’s past guest speakers.  

Rob Hallett has worked with a host of successful artists and is behind some of the world’s highest grossing tours including The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen and Bon Jovi. His company Robomagic produces some of the largest domestic and global events available.

ESSENCE Festival in Durban, South Africa takes place 8-13 November at the International Convention Center and the Moses Mabhida Stadium. For further information visit essence.com / robomagiclive.com.