Essence Festival was the reason I came but New Orleans? That was the revelation.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, the city wrapped me in its rhythm. A streetcar ride past bold murals, a surprise brass band at brunch, the soulful wail of a saxophonist outside the convention centre, it felt like the soundtrack never stopped.
Between panels and performances, I wandered. I danced, I devoured gumbo and beignets, I let the city lead. There were moments of stillness and celebration, flavours that stayed with me, and music that followed me everywhere I went, even onto the boat deck in all white.
Press play for a look at the moments that made this trip unforgettable, from Bourbon Street to Camellia Grill, Addis NOLA to Cafe Beignet.
New Orleans doesn’t just host Essence, it embodies it. The joy, the depth, the resilience. The city has a heartbeat, and this time, I got to dance to it.
Have you been to New Orleans?
Drop your must-do, must-eat, or must-hear in the comments because I’m already planning my return.
