Erykah Badu to Join Jay-Z as a Headliner at 2026 Roots Picnic Preezy Brown, 3/20/2026 Erykah Badu joins Jay-Z as a headliner for the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, performing on May 31. The lineup features notable artists like Kehlani, Brandy, and T.I., with special events celebrating Go-Go music and a tribute to the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. Jay-Z to Return to the Stage for Headlining Performance at Roots Picnic 2026
Erykah Badu has officially been announced as a headlining performer at the Roots Picnic 2026 in Philadelphia, bringing one of R&B's most influential voices to the festival's main stage.
The news was revealed on Friday (March 20), with Badu slated to perform on the festival's second and final day, May 31.
The announcement arrived alongside the release of the Roots Picnic's full 2026 lineup, further amplifying excitement that had already been building following confirmation that Jay-Z will headline opening night on May 30.
The performance marks a major return for Hov, serving as his first live appearance since joining Beyoncé onstage during her Cowboy Carter Tour last year.
Beyond its headliners, the festival boasts a wide-ranging lineup featuring Kehlani, Brandy, T.I., Mariah the Scientist, De La Soul, Corinne Bailey Rae, DESTIN CONRAD, KWN, Bilal, Sasha Keable, and more.
Special programming will include a J. Period live mixtape set with Wale and Roots co-founder Black Thought, DJ Jazzy Jeff's Magnificent Block Party, and a Jermaine Dupri & Friends showcase.
Attendees can also expect a tribute to the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack curated by Adam Blackstone, featuring Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, Tamar Braxton, and Andra Day. A celebration of the 50th anniversary of Go-Go music will be presented by Baller Alert and Front Porch, and hosted by Noochie and Kenny Burns.
This year's festival will take place at Belmont Plateau, marking a new chapter after years at its previous home at the Mann Center. Between sets, DJs including Funk Flex, DJ Diamond Kuts, DJ Cash Money, DJ Doc B, and DJ Miss Milan will keep the energy high throughout the weekend.
