NEW YORK, NY (April 28, 2016) – Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) Essence today announced that the inaugural Essence Festival in Durban, South Africa, will be held November 8–13, 2016. The first-ever Essence Festival Durban—the sister event to the annual Essence Festival New Orleans, which will take place June 30–July 3, 2016—will feature international performers, world-renowned speakers and local artists.

“New Orleans and Durban are sister cities, and we are thrilled to present these sister festivals—both in 2016,” said Essence President Michelle Ebanks. “As Essence converges on Durban during South Africa’s beautiful summer season, we are creating a week-long experience that will inspire women globally and convene our communities across the diaspora.”

The Essence Festival Durban will follow the format of the annual New Orleans event, presenting international performers and speakers to entertain and inspire, as well as a host of local artists and experts. The event will bring exciting and informative ideas to support small businesses through empowerment seminars across various sectors, including career guidance workshops and other initiatives aimed at youth.

Ethekwini Mayor Nxumalo said the City of Durban had made waves internationally in the past two years by hosting a number of high-profile events, which will now include the Essence Festival to further cement Durban as a choice international destination. Nxumalo said the Essence partnership would continue to focus on the development of women and youth in business. A number of women-owned businesses will be selected to trade at the festival, which will boost their profile and drive sales for the company.

“This partnership will have a host of benefits for residents, starting with the Durban Business Fair program, which strives to connect local businesses globally. We have no doubt that through the festival jobs will be created and our cultural economy enhanced," Mayor Nxumalo said.

For more information, visit www.essence.com.

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About Essence Communications

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online. The company’s flagship publication, Essence magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, generating brand extensions such as the Essence Festival, Essence Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, Essence.com and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 45 years, Essence, which has a brand reach of 14.2 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives. Additional information about ECI and Essence is available at www.essence.com.

About Time Inc.

Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is one of the world's leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 150 million visitors each month, including over 60 websites. Our influential brands include People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Time, Real Simple, and Southern Living, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom.

CONTACT:

Dana Baxter
Sr. Director of Communications, Essence
212-522-1634
dbaxter@essence.com
Gugu Mbonamb
031 311 4855
gugu.mbonambi@durban.gov.za
Princess Nkabane
031 311 4818
princess.nkabane@durban.gov.za