Tevin Campbell delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, taking the stage for a breathtaking performance of his timeless 1993 R&B anthem, “Can We Talk.” With his signature vocals still as smooth and powerful as ever, Tevin had the entire Superdome singing every lyric right along with him and yes, he effortlessly performed the classic in its original key, proving why he’s one of R&B’s greatest vocalists. It’s no wonder fans continue to call him a national treasure, with many declaring that “Can We Talk” deserves a permanent place in the Smithsonian.
Sunday night’s celebration also paid tribute to the rich legacy of hip-hop and Black music with electrifying performances from Public Enemy, Doug E. Fresh & Friends, and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. The star-studded finale featured unforgettable appearances by MC Lyte, Tevin Campbell, Too Short, Big Freedia, Big Boi, Scarface, Trombone Shorty, Durand Bernarr, Nona Hendryx, Kim Burrell, and Savion Glover, creating a powerful, multi-generational celebration of music, culture, and legacy. The unforgettable closing performance perfectly captured what the ESSENCE Festival does best bringing together legendary icons and rising stars for a joyful celebration of Black excellence.
(Photos by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
