Mary J. Blige has already been announced at the headliner and spokesperson for the Essence Music Festival, which takes place July 2, 3 and 4 at the Louisiana Superdome. Today Earth, Wind and Fire was added to the schedule along with Gladys Knight, Keri Hilson, Jill Scott, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, De La Soul, Chrisette Michele, Joe, Laura Izibor and Melanie Fiona. 

The rest of the lineup is to be announced in the coming weeks.