Grammy-winning reggae icon Buju Banton will headline the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture® (July 4–6, New Orleans), marking his first appearance at the storied event. Renowned for his revolutionary influence on reggae and dancehall, Banton’s set aligns with the festival’s We Are “Made Like This”theme, spotlighting resilience and cultural heritage through his anthemic storytelling.

He joins a star-studded roster including GloRilla, Boyz II Men, Davido, and Maxwell, amplifying Caribbean artistry on a global platform. “Essence Fest embodies Black excellence,” Banton shared. “Bringing reggae’s heartbeat here is a privilege.”

Top Tier Management’s Hector Carter and Omar Stephenson hailed the booking as a cultural milestone: “This isn’t just a performance—it’s a triumph for reggae and Caribbean voices worldwide.” The festival solidifies Banton’s legacy while advancing the duo’s mission to elevate diasporic talent.