ESSENCE Festival took to its social media channels to announce that they have named Teyana Taylor Chief Curator for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival.
“We said ladies first, and we meant it,” ESSENCE said on Instagram alongside an image of the Oscar‑nominated multi‑hyphenate. “And you already know the vibes are about to be next level.”
It’s a major move for Taylor, who has been in the middle of a well‑deserved surge in visibility. After retiring from music in 2020, she’s been booked and busy — choreographing for icons, directing visuals for top artists, and earning an Academy Award nomination for her breakout role in “One Battle After Another.” Her creative collective, The Aunties, has become one of the most in‑demand teams in entertainment.
“Along with her creative team, The Aunties are curating the moments, the surprises, and everything in between for one of the most celebrated festivals in the world,” ESSENCE said.