New Orleans' annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture is returning for its 2022 edition on June 30 – July 3 at Caesars Superdome, with daytime programming happening at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. They've announced the initial music and comedy lineup for the fest, which includes Kevin Hart on Thursday 6/30, Nicki Minaj on Friday 7/1, Janet Jackson on Saturday 7/2, and New Edition on Sunday 7/3.

The initial lineup also includes Jazmine Sullivan, The Roots, Summer Walker, D-Nice & Friends, and The Isley Brothers, dates TBA. More artists are still to be announced.

Three-day passes for the music portion of the fest, running from July 1-3, and single-day tickets to Kevin Hart's set on June 30 are on sale now. Free registration is also open for the fest's daytime programming, which is still to be announced.