From Hollywood to Home: Black Voices in Entertainment
- Erykah Badu is slated to perform on the festival's second and final day, May 31.
- Jay-Z headlines opening night, May 30; his first live appearance since joining Beyoncé onstage during the Cowboy Carter Tour.
- Full 2026 lineup includes Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., Mariah the Scientist, De La Soul, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Bilal.
- Special programming features a J. Period live mixtape with Wale and Black Thought, DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Magnificent Block Party, and Jermaine Dupri & Friends.
- Festival moves to Belmont Plateau; includes a Waiting to Exhale tribute curated by Adam Blackstone and a 50th anniversary Go-Go celebration.
Erykah Badu has officially been announced as a headlining performer at the Roots Picnic 2026 in Philadelphia, bringing one of R&B’s most influential voices to the festival’s main stage.
The news was revealed on Friday (March 20), with Badu slated to perform on the festival’s second and final day, May 31.
The announcement arrived alongside the release of the Roots Picnic’s full 2026 lineup, further amplifying excitement that had already been building following confirmation that Jay-Z will headline opening night on May 30.
The performance marks a major return for Hov, serving as his first live appearance since joining Beyoncé onstage during her Cowboy Carter Tour last year.
Beyond its headliners, the festival boasts a wide-ranging lineup featuring Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., Mariah the Scientist, De La Soul, Corinne Bailey Rae, DESTIN CONRAD, KWN, Bilal, Sasha Keable, and more.
Special programming will include a J. Period live mixtape set with Wale and Roots co-founder Black Thought, DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Magnificent Block Party, and a Jermaine Dupri & Friends showcase.
Attendees can also expect a tribute to the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack curated by Adam Blackstone, featuring Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, Tamar Braxton, and Andra Day. A celebration of the 50th anniversary of Go-Go music will be presented by Baller Alert and Front Porch, and hosted by Noochie and Kenny Burns.
This year’s festival will take place at Belmont Plateau, marking a new chapter after years at its previous home. Between sets, DJs including Funk Flex, DJ Diamond Kuts, DJ Cash Money, DJ Doc B, and DJ Miss Milan will keep the energy high throughout the weekend.
Tickets for the 2026 Roots Picnic are available here.
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