Year 17 of Roots Picnic was a celebration of music, culture, and community that did not disappoint. The lineup was dope, and the vibes were immaculate. The sea of Black and Brown people coming together to enjoy the festivities was beautiful to see and be a part of.

Day One Highlights: The first day of the festival was headlined by the legendary Jill Scott, who brought out Tierra Whack and Black Thought, ending the day with an unforgettable experience. Throughout the day, Nas, Sexyy Red, The-Dream, Freeway, State Property and many others took the stage, keeping the crowd engaged and energized.

Day Two Highlights: Day two featured Lil Wayne and The Roots as headliners, celebrating New Orleans by bringing out Lloyd, PJ Morton, and Trombone Shorty. The day also saw incredible performances from Gunna, Andre 3000, Wale, Shaboozey, Yebba, and others. Wale and Sexyy Red, in particular, showed they deserved main stage spots with their electric performances and crowd energy.

Roots Picnic remains a festival that I always keep on the calendar. It’s an event not to be missed, offering a unique blend of music, culture, and community.

Written & Photos: Ismail “Caligrafist” Sayeed