Reliving the 1st Essence Fest Durban in pictures

By Bongani Dube (@djtizalami)

The first Essence Festival in the Southern Hemisphere was hosted in my favourite destination in South Africa: Durban, on November 8 to 13, 2016. To say it was a blast is an understatement. It surely lived up to (and perhaps matched) the US standards; where the event originates from.  The event was attended by the world renowned motivational speaker, comedian, and entertainment mogul Steve Harvey, who challenged young people from Africa and elsewhere to pursue their dreams relentlessly until they attain them. Headlining several entertainment gigs during the inaugural Essence Fest were American R’NB artist Ne-Yo; American gospel artists Yolanda Adams and Mary Mary; Nigerian exports Burna Boy and Wiz Kid; as well as South African artists AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Black Coffee, Oskido, Joyous Celebration, Dr Tumi, among many others.

Armed with my usual Canon 650D EOS camera, I captured these pics exclusively for you:

SUPERSTAR: ‘Let me love you’ hit-maker Ne-Yo performs at #EssenceFest, Durban. 

WET: Ne-Yo sings his heart out. 

CHING CHING CLUB: Steve Harvey joins Ne-Yo on stage at Moses Mabhida stadium. 

PINK AFFAIR: Sensational South African rapper Cassper Nyovest performs.

SHADING: Wiz Kid’s bling was too bright for him. Dope performance!

JUICE: Nadia Nakai flaunts her assets as she spits bars after bars.

INKED: Burna Boy was a marvel to watch. 

NGEKELENI BO!: Somizi seems to be giving bodyguards their salaries’ worth here.