The Essence Festival of Culture remembered Aaliyah on Sunday with a musical tribute celebrating the late R&B icon’s timeless music, signature choreography, and lasting influence.
Five singers took the stage on July 5 in New Orleans for the special medley marking the 30th anniversary of Aaliyah’s landmark 1996 album, One in a Million.
Decked out in a baggy red ensemble and Timberland-style boots, Mya opened the mini-concert with “Back & Forth,” which was actually Aaliyah’s debut single from her 1994 album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number.
Ryan Destiny, Normani, Chlöe Bailey, and Sevyn Streeter then joined the celebration, with each performing some of the singer’s most beloved songs while recreating the choreography that helped define her career.
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Missy Elliott, who co-wrote several of One in a Million’s biggest hits, curated the tribute. Legendary choreographer Fatima Robinson, who created the routines for music videos like “Are You That Somebody” and “More Than a Woman,” worked closely with the singers to re-create Aaliyah’s dance moves.
Fans who attended the festival praised the performances, saying they brought back memories. Although viewers who did not travel to Louisiana for the festival expressed disappointment on social media that the tribute wasn’t streamed online.
Some audience members also noted audio issues, while others criticized the use of AI-generated visuals representing Aaliyah. Following the performances, Elliott thanked everyone who took part and explained that organizers were unable to secure the rights to use footage from Aaliyah’s original music videos.
Elliott wrote on the X platform:
“I’m proud of these women: Normani, Ryan Destiny, Mya, Chloe Bailey, & Sevyn. With less than a week of rehearsal, they were committed & focused on this Aaliyah tribute.”
She also praised Robinson and the dancers who reunited for the concert.
“Fatima, who was behind all the original moves, worked with each of the girls tirelessly,” she added. “The original band members who played for Aaliyah also came together for this moment, along with some of her original dancers — Nisan, Mona, Blair, Tia, Marley, Derrick, Pavlo, Karl Kani, Roger & Aylx. The entire team, you are so appreciated for your hard work!”
Elliott concluded by addressing questions about the visuals featured during the tribute.
“We wanted to use the original content from the original videos, but we do not own it unfortunately. Again, thank you to everyone involved for giving their all,” said Elliott.
Released on Aug. 13, 1996, One in a Million became one of the defining R&B albums of the decade, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Its lead single, “If Your Girl Only Knew,” was certified double platinum and showcased the partnership between Aaliyah, producer Timbaland and songwriter Missy Elliott. Aaliyah’s official website described the single as showcasing “Timbaland’s signature syncopated beats and Missy ‘Misdemeanor’ Elliott’s poignant lyrics.”
The album also included production from Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins, J. Dibbs, Daryl Simmons, KayGee, Vincent “V.H.” Herbert and Craig King, with their efforts helping to cement One in a Million as a defining R&B album of its era.
You can watch the full tribute here.
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