Bishop T.D. Jakes to Headline 2017 International Edition of Essence Festival in South Africa This September

The Renowned Pastor, NYT Bestselling Author and Entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes Set to Make First-Ever Appearance as Empowerment Experience Headliner in the Festival’s Anticipated Return to Durban, South Africa

NEW YORK--()--Today, creators of Time Inc.'s (NYSE:TIME) Essence Festival announced the 2017 dates for the Festival’s Durban, South Africa edition, which will follow this summer’s annual New Orleans Festival. Taking place September 28 – October 1, 2017, Essence Festival Durban will feature a first-time appearance from the leading voice in global ministry and entertainment, Bishop T.D. Jakes.

“Last year’s inaugural Essence Festival Durban was an immense success, and we’re thrilled to once again partner with eThekwini Municipality for another one-of-a-kind cultural experience,” said Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks. “This year, we’re welcoming Bishop T.D. Jakes to the festival in South Africa for his very first headliner appearance. His uplifting and empowering words will set the tone for this unique celebration of communities spanning the diaspora.”

Essence Festival Durban will bring together international performers and speakers to entertain and inspire, as well as a host of local artists and experts. The multiday event is comprised of nightly music concerts and a daily Empowerment Experience, offering workshops and seminars across various sectors, including development of women and youth in business.

Her Worship, The Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr. Zandile Gumede states: “The City of Durban looks forward to the 2017 edition of the Essence Festival Durban. Last year was an overwhelming success and the Festival has played a vital part in the women empowerment programs and in showcasing our local arts and fashion sector. The investment and resources into this Festival has culminated into building a strong global brand and identity for Durban, in the U.S. Market, a key source market for our City. Durban is being discovered by global travellers looking for new and different cultural experiences combined with the excitement of nature and historical significance. We trust that through the hosting of Essence Festival Durban, the City will benefit again from the intense global marketing and increased business growth for Durban.”

Last year’s Durban Festival drew over 10,000 attendees and featured appearances by Steve Harvey, Phaedra Parks, Estelle, Kelly Price, NE-YO, Wizkid, Black Coffee and many more. For more information on this year’s Essence Festival Durban, including talent and travel packages, visit Essence.com/Festival-Durban.

ABOUT TIME INC.

Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is a leading multi-platform consumer media company that engages over 170 million consumers globally every month through our portfolio of premium brands across platforms. Our influential brands include People, Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Real Simple, Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, as well as approximately 60 diverse titles in the United Kingdom.

ABOUT BISHOP T.D. JAKES

Bishop T. D. Jakes is the charismatic founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church located in Dallas. Named "America's Best Preacher" by “TIME Magazine,” Jakes' voice reverberates globally through extensive charitable works and an empire that spans film, television, radio, best-selling books and conference series. Bishop Jakes made his presence felt in Hollywood with the release of "Jumping the Broom," an award-winning romantic comedy that debuted as the #1 comedy and grossed nearly seven times its budget in 2011, “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day,” released in 2012 as well as the über popular “Heaven is for Real” and “Miracles from Heaven.” Celebrating 35 years of marriage, Thomas Dexter and wife Serita Jakes are parents to five children and eight grandchildren.

ABOUT ESSENCE® COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a brand reach of 21.2 million. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online, ECI comprises Essence magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; the Essence Festival; Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music events; Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series; Essence.com; and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD).

Contacts

Time Inc.
Dana Baxter, 212-522-1634
dana.baxter@timeinc.com

Contacts

Time Inc.
Dana Baxter, 212-522-1634
dana.baxter@timeinc.com