This year marked the 15th anniversary of ONE Musicfest (OMF), the largest independently and wholly Black-owned two-day urban progressive music festival in the United States. Held at Atlanta’s Central Park, this milestone event attracted over 100,000 diverse music lovers from around the nation, cementing OMF’s reputation as a cultural staple. Known for its dynamic and eclectic lineup of urban artists, the festival has featured icons such as Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Usher, Lauryn Hill, and now, for this landmark anniversary, stars like Latto, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, and Gunna took the stage, delivering electrifying performances that left audiences buzzing.
A Powerful Lineup Sets the Stage
Latto and Gunna Ignite the Stage Headlining the festival, Latto and Gunna embodied the high-energy and excitement that have made OMF famous. Latto brought her signature charisma, delivering fan favorites like “Brokey” with an infectious energy that had the crowd moving.
Meanwhile, Gunna’s smooth delivery and melodic flows created a euphoric atmosphere, adding to the unforgettable experience and echoing the energy that has drawn massive crowds to OMF over the years.
Jill Scott Brings Soul to the Fest
An OMF veteran, Jill Scott took the audience on a journey with her timeless hits “A Long Walk” and “Whatever.”
Her soulful voice and effortless stage presence brought a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of Neo Soul and reminding fans of her enduring artistry. The crowd, captivated by her performance, was a testament to OMF’s celebration of musical diversity and legacy.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s Timeless Classics
The legendary Earth, Wind & Fire graced the OMF stage, reminding everyone of their unmatched musical influence with hits from “Reasons” to “September.” Their set was more than just a performance—it was an experience bridging generations, allowing festival-goers of all ages to bask in the magic of these timeless classics.
Method Man & Redman’s Iconic Reunion
In an unforgettable moment, hip-hop heavyweights Method Man and Redman reunited to take fans down memory lane with their iconic discography.
Their playful banter and high-energy set showcased the chemistry that has defined their careers, bringing the golden age of hip-hop to life and underscoring OMF’s dedication to honoring music legends.
Rising Stars and Memorable Moments
GloRilla and T-Pain Create a Moment
Emerging star GloRilla lit up the stage with a surprise appearance by T-Pain, sending the crowd into a frenzy as they performed “I Luv Her” from her latest album, Glorious.
T-Pain followed up with his classics “Buy U A Drank” and “Kiss Kiss,” reminding fans why he remains a festival favorite and cementing GloRilla’s rising star status.
Love in the Air at the P&G Stage
OMF celebrated love and community with a heartfelt proposal at the P&G stage, where a festival-goer popped the question to their partner between sets. The crowd erupted in cheers, turning a private moment into a festival-wide celebration, embodying the inclusive and joyous spirit that makes OMF so special.
Amplifying Community Voices: Voter Engagement Takes Center Stage
This year, OMF emphasized its commitment to community activism by partnering with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Black Coalition for a powerful voter engagement initiative. Festival attendees heard from prominent voices, including Senator Raphael Warnock and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who spoke passionately about the importance of voter turnout and civic engagement. ONE Musicfest’s partnership with these organizations highlighted its dedication to empowering Black voices and giving back to the community, reinforcing its identity as more than just a music festival—it’s a movement.
A Cultural Touchstone Celebrating 15 Years of Influence
ONE Musicfest’s 15th anniversary is a milestone that underscores its evolution from a regional event to a must-attend destination festival. With past lineups that have included legends like SZA, Outkast, Pharrell, Lauryn Hill, and now this year’s mix of icons and rising stars, OMF continues to define the music festival experience for diverse audiences. As ONE Musicfest looks to the future, it promises to grow as a cultural touchstone that celebrates music, community, and the power of Black-owned, independent initiatives.
The weekend wrapped up with a collective sense of unity and anticipation for what the future holds. As ONE Musicfest closes out another year, it’s clear this festival is here to stay—not just as a music event but as a celebration of culture, diversity, and progressive change.
Photo Credits :
Latto by Terence Rushin
Gunna by Andy Doan
Jill Scott by Julia Beverly
Redman and Method Man by Terence Rushin
GloRilla by Terence Rushin
Courtesy of One Music Fest
