AJC and UATL journalists are out covering the 15th annual One Musicfest in Central Park. This feed will cover all the highlights as they unfold at one of Atlanta’s most beloved music festivals. The independent, Black-led festival has historically drawn some 100,000 people over two days.
Saturday headliners include Earth, Wind and Fire, Nelly and Latto, who is filling in for Cardi B. The latter dropped out due to an undisclosed medical condition. Sunday’s top billers are Victoria Monét, Gunna and Jill Scott.
Last year’s event took place in Piedmont Park, but festival organizers announced on Oct. 2 that the 2024 production was relocating to Central Park, a smaller space. The organizers cited logistic and economic chances as reasons for the change.
“We weren’t mad at moving, but we knew it was something we had to do,” One Musicfest founder Jason “J” Carter told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We definitely didn’t want to cancel. We deserve this level of joy.”
Heading to the fest? Make sure you read our guide for hacks and other helpful info.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day as several AJC and UATL journalists are out covering the festival.
She came for the vibes
Sierra Scivally has attended One Musicfest every year since 2016. On Saturday, she was leaving the food court in The Yard. The 33-year-old wasn’t dismayed by shifts in the headliners and location.
“I was excited to come. I come for the vibes and for the people and for the culture, so it really didn’t matter what the schedule was or who was going to be here, I was going to be here,” she said.
Her favorite One Musicfest memory is from 2022, when she camped out and got a close view of her favorite artists like The City Girls and Usher.
“I love this festival because I feel safe here,” she said. “I love coming to Atlanta. It feels like a part of the culture. I love the people. They always have good artists.”
Credit: DeAsia Sutgrey
Credit: DeAsia Sutgrey
BigXThaPlug gets the biggest crowd yet
It was only a matter of time before rapper BigXThaPlug went shirtless. The Dallas, Texas, rapper stood on a stage in front of the day’s largest audience so far, his belly and chest covered in tattoos. Over the course of the 30-minute set, BigX showed why he’s one of the most exciting up-and-coming rap acts out of the Lone Star state. The emcee known for his distinctive, baritone-heavy Texas drawl went through songs from his EPs, debut album “AMAR,” named after his son, and most recent release, “Take Care.”
BigX kicked things off with singles, “Back On My BS,” “The Largest,” and “Mr. Trouble” before being joined on stage by fellow Dallas rapper, Ro$ama. The big fella closed out his set with an ode to his home state, “Texas,” and thanking Atlanta.
”I came all the way to ATL to show y’all why everything is bigger in Texas,” he told the crowd holding arms over their heads to form an “X,” showing that they heard him loud and clear.
— Gavin Godfrey
Credit: Gavin Godfrey
Credit: Gavin Godfrey
A Floridian celebrates her birthday in Atlanta in spite of Cardi B cancellation
Sheane Lamar traveled from Florida to celebrate her birthday at One Musicfest. Her and a friend were excited to see Cardi B, an artist they’ve seen in concert more than four times. The Bronx rapper pulled out of the festival earlier this week due to an undisclosed illness.
“We were like, ‘Should we even go?’,” the 40-year-old said. “But then we saw that Latto was replacing her, so we decided to come.”
Lamar’s daughter is a huge Latto fan, so she studied her songs before coming to One Musicfest. Saturday marked her first time attending the popular festival.
“We didn’t get our tickets ahead of time, so we walked in (to get them). It literally took six seconds, then we entered the festival. Everything has been a breeze so far.”
— DeAsia Page
Tanner Adell caps a big year with a One Musicfest set
Rising country artist Tanner Adell attracted a modest crowd at the P&G stage. She hit the stage around 2 p.m. and sang a set filled with fan-favorites “Silverado” “FU-150,” and “Cowboy Break My Heart.”
Her One Musicfest performance caps a momentous year for the budding artist. In March, she was featured on Beyoncé's epic country foray “Cowboy Carter.” This summer, she signed a distribution deal with Atlanta indie label LVRN (Love Renaissance). She also performed at this year’s BET Awards for the first time.
On stage, Ms. Buckle Bunny seemed grateful for the crowd and the success she’s had so far. Later in her set, she shared a more somber moment.
“My mom had to go to the hospital this morning, so thank you all so much for your energy,” she said, on the brink of tears.
Adell ended her performance with her biggest hit, “Buckle Bunny,” the title track from her 2024 debut.
— DeAsia Paige
Credit: DeAsia Sutgrey
Credit: DeAsia Sutgrey
‘We’re all connected’: Fans enjoy One Musicfest’s sense of community
Eric Dozier, 31, was enjoying a smoke under a tree before checking out the performances. The Durham, North Carolina, native is new to One Musicfest, but not Atlanta. He used to live here, so he’s always looking for an excuse to come back.
Dozier came to the fest solo, but two hours in, he’s taken aback by the sense of community among Black folks in attendance.
“The entertainment, it’s a good thing, but just being around all these beautiful Black people, the energy is a ‘A-1′,″ he said. “That’s what it’s all about for me.”
After two days, Dozier said he’s hoping to just see more Black folks coming together in a divisive political climate.
“We’re all connected, we’re all able to have fun with each other, and that’s what it’s supposed to be about. That’s what being Black and being together to me means,” he said.
Festival organizers have announced guest political and celebrity appearances, including Samuel L. Jackson
Festival organizers have announced several high-profile and political guest appearances at this year’s One Music Festival. The appearances will take place at the P&G Stage. DeKalb county will issue a proclamation at 4 p.m. today. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas will make an appearance at 5:30 p.m. today. Actor Samuel L. Jackson will take the stage at 7 p.m. And Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens will welcome concertgoers at 9 p.m.
Jai’Len Josey
R&B artist Jai’Len Josey kicked off the party Saturday afternoon at the P&G Stage. Wearing a curve-hugging, cheetah-print bodysuit, the Atlanta singer shined for her soulful ballads and stellar vocal delivery throughout her roughly 20-minute set.
Although Josey wasn’t on stage for long, she made the best of it. She performed songs from her 2023 debut “Southern Delicacy” like “Man in Your Bed” and “Willie’s Interlude,” which she dedicated to her grandfather.
Credit: DeAsia Sutgrey
Credit: DeAsia Sutgrey
“Days like this when stuff starts to go wrong is when I remember how good my God is,” Josey told the audience, referencing minor technical issues with her sound and a small crowd size.”
Throughout her set, Josey covered popular hits: Beyoncé's “Naughty Girl” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” showcasing her knack for honoring the R&B legends who came before her. She ended her performance by thanking her friends and family in the crowd.
— DeAsia Page
The gates have opened at the 15th annual One Music Festival
The gates are open, and concertgoers have begun entering Central Park in Old Fourth Ward for the 15th annual One Music Festival.
The independent, Black-led festival has historically drawn some 100,000 people over two days. The festival released its schedule yesterday.
Today’s performances start with Jai’Len Josey scheduled at the P&G Stage at 12:45 p.m. (where music reporter DeAsia Paige is on site). Simultaneously, Velcroes is scheduled to perform at the Sprite stage.
Kasaan Hill traveled from New Jersey to attend One Musicfest in Atlanta this weekend. He was one of the early gatherers on Saturday afternoon.
“I just turned 21, so I was ready to be outside. I like music. I like the festival vibe, getting to laugh and just the overall community,” Hill said.
It is Hill’s first time attending the festival. He said he is most excited to see R&B singers Jai’Len Josey and Victoria Monét. Josey, an Atlanta native, is one of the openers for the first day of One Musicfest.
“She’s just so soulful,” Hill said about Josey. All of her music is so rich, and I just love her music.”
Ohio native Amina Adams flew into Atlanta solo for One Musicfest. It’s the 24-year-old’s first music festival experience. Adams was in Atlanta for Pride and decided to come right back for the event.
“I like this lineup. It has a lot of people I’m excited about,” she said.
The personal stylist said she didn’t want to miss seeing Jill Scott, Sexyy Redd and Earth, Wind & Fire live. Is she worried about the move to a smaller venue? That’s a resounding, “nope,” she said.
