Photos provided by Samsung/PMKBNC by Skip Bolen Getty Images Collection
Samsung certainly was an integral part of the fan experience at the 2015 Essence Music Festival! For the first time ever, Samsung brought its popular Samsung Galaxy Experience to the 2015 Essence Festival. Throughout the weekend, Samsung provided a hub of activity for festival goers, celebrating entertainment and music with special performances, appearances and more!
Samsung kicked off its weekend-long Essence festivities in New Orleans with a performance by Def Jam artist Lil’ Durk and a special chat with actor and recording artist Common. During his Q&A, Common talked about everything from his new role in the upcoming film “Suicide Squad” to what it was like winning an Oscar for “Selma.” Common also discussed how poetry is what initially drew him to Hip Hop and having been inspired by Dr. Maya Angelou growing up.
Common also remarked that he likes coming back to Essence Festival for the celebration of community and New Orleans’ famous gumbo. When asked to choose which he loved more, music or acting, Common responded that he couldn’t because it was like choosing between his mother and grandmother; he’s too passionate about both.
Lil’ Durk got the crowd going with “Tryna’ Tryna’,” “Dis Ain’t What U Want” and “Like Me” – tracks off his album, ‘Remember My Name’ which is in stores now! The party continued at the Samsung Galaxy Experience during Day 2 of the 2015 Essence Fest with special appearances by Kelly Rowland and Trey Songz. Kelly Rowland hit the Samsung Galaxy Experience stage to showcase some of the fresh new talent from her upcoming BET show “Chasing Destiny” launching soon. The show is a talent search for the next best female vocalist. The day before, Frank Gatson Jr.. held auditions around New Orleans to find some of the freshest talent to bring on stage and sing for the crowd at Essence.
The Samsung Galaxy Experience crowd went wild when Trey Songz surprised everyone during Kelly Rowland’s “Chasing Destiny” showcase. Trey and Kelly offered their words of encouragement to the young women and congratulated them on following their dreams of singing. ‘Empire’s’ “it boy” Jussie Smollett stopped by the Samsung Galaxy Experience to give Kelly Rowland a big hug and quickly catchup.
Samsung closed out the 2015 Essence Festival with a special appearance from the incomparable Mary J. Blige. Mary stopped by the Samsung Galaxy Experience to chat with Essence Live’s Dana Blair about her new “The London Sessions” documentary, her love of the festival and more. Samsung also held a special screening of her new documentary for Galaxy smartphone owners. To close out the weekend, Samsung rewarded Galaxy owners with a VIP experience at Mary J. Blige’s headlining show – part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to upgrade the festival experience for loyal Samsung fans! When asked about how she stays so fit, Mary said she tries to work out every day she’s not performing; she’s passionate about exercise! Regarding “The London Sessions,” Mary said she enjoyed tapping into a new part of her artistry! Blige also talked about her experience at Glastonbury and how she was moved by the level of passion from the fans in the U.K.
All weekend long, Samsung provided entertainment and inspiration for festival goers. For music fans not at the festival, Samsung Milk Music is featuring the best of Essence – past and present – with a special spotlight station. We can’t wait to see what Samsung brings to the 2016 Essence Music Festival!
Check out more photos from the Samsung Essence Festival Galaxy Experience below! Photos by Skip Bolen Getty Images Collection.