Broccoli City Festival happens every year in Washington, D.C., and this year, we had the pleasure of attending! Before arriving, we were equipped with showtimes, lineups, site maps, and offers of free massages (for a select few festival goers). The sun was at its hottest, and so were the performances! The festival had two stages: Broccoli Stage, hosted by Mouse Jones, Bacon Bear, and City Stage, with Talk Tequila as their MC. Music was provided by DJ Flow, Jae Murphy, K Meta, and Bo.
The smell of food and the sound of fans screaming for their favorite artists is what festivals are known for. This particular lineup included GloRilla, Ice Spice, Kodak Black, Coco Jones, Finese2Tymes, Mariah The Scientist, Dess Dior, Lola Brooke, City Girls, as well as Brent Faiyaz, and that was just what the summer needed!
GloRilla
Photo courtesy of Stefan Bunbury / xoNecole
Broccoli City Festival, founded in the mecca of Chocolate City, is black-owned and operated. The #BCFest, an annual event that celebrates the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and music, is much more than what meets the eye. While many are drawn to the festival for its captivating performances and vibrant atmosphere, it is important to recognize its profound emphasis on environmental awareness. Since its inception in 2013, the festival has maintained a steadfast mission of promoting social consciousness and fostering a deep sense of environmental responsibility.
With over 30 dynamic live performances across two stages, the Broccoli City Festival was an electrifying experience for attendees. Beyond the music, the festival offers an array of interactive art, games, activities, and sponsor activations, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in a captivating world of creativity. Moreover, a diverse culinary landscape awaited festival-goers, featuring an extensive selection of food and drink options, including delectable vegan and vegetarian choices. Notably, the festival generously provides FREE hydration stations, ensuring attendees can stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the event. For those of legal drinking age, cash bars adorned with an array of cocktails, beer, and wine offer a sophisticated and enjoyable experience.
Coco Jones
Photo courtesy of Stefan Bunbury / xoNecole
At its core, Broccoli City is more than just a festival. It is a remarkable Black-owned social enterprise deeply committed to the progress and well-being of individuals. By curating innovative experiences that blend technology, music, art, and social impact, Broccoli City fosters a sense of community growth and propels creative expression to new heights.
Over the past decade, the impact of Broccoli City has been truly awe-inspiring. This remarkable enterprise has successfully mobilized over 20 million young people, both through its iconic festival events and its engaging online platforms. Through its unwavering dedication to social impact and its ability to inspire individuals to be agents of change, Broccoli City continues to be a driving force in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future.
Chloe Bailey
Photo courtesy of Muse.BlaQ/ xoNecole
The artists were on their A-game! Saucy Santana brought the bounce, the bops, and the booty to the stage, performing his hits "Walk Em Like A Dog," "Booty," and "Bop Bop Bop.” Chloe Bailey commanded the stage with her bubbly and fierce energy. This young star also continuously paused her set to check on her fans, who were trying to enjoy her in the scorching 93-degree weather, showing genuine care for her audience. Another fan favorite, Kodak Black, has a relationship with his fans that is to be admired. He has an incredible stage presence and a hype man for a DJ, but before, during, and after the show, he made sure to take selfies with his supporters. After his set, he walked through the festival grounds just to be closer to his fans and gave them yet another opportunity to take pictures.
Keke Palmer's performance at Broccoli City Festival was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Calling herself "The Boss," she effortlessly proved why she holds this title throughout her memorable career. From becoming the youngest Black female talk show host to gracing the legendary Met Gala red carpet and starring in culturally impactful masterpieces like Akeelah and The Bee and CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, Palmer has consistently showcased her immense talent. Despite recent personal challenges, Palmer demonstrated her resilience and determination by delivering an unforgettable performance at Broccoli City Festival. In an astonishing display of generosity, she made it rain on the stage, showering a preselected group of fans with a staggering $10,000 in 50s and 20s. This act of kindness exemplified Palmer's genuine love and appreciation for her fans.
Keke Palmer
Photo courtesy of Muse.BlaQ/ xoNecole
Keke remains unstoppable, conquering any scandal or controversy that comes her way. Her performance was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft and her ability to rise above any adversity.
Ice Spice took the stage, captivating crowds and igniting an unforgettable experience. With a remarkable display of talent, this rising star left no stone unturned, leaving the audience on their feet and craving for more. In a mesmerizing blend of music and style, Ice Spice effortlessly harnessed the power of her artistry, unleashing an energy that reverberated through the entire festival grounds. As the beats dropped and the atmosphere reached its peak, time seemed to stand still, a testament to the sheer magnetism of this extraordinary performer.
Ice Spice
Photo courtesy of Muse.BlaQ/ xoNecole
Enthralled by the incredible vibes radiating from the stage, every spectator became a part of the resounding chorus of accolades and admiration. From passionate fans to curious onlookers, Ice Spice's spellbinding performance left no one unaffected. This is an artist who is firmly cementing her place among the greats, capturing hearts and captivating minds with her undeniable talent and magnetic stage presence. Don't miss a beat from this rising star – tap into the extraordinary vibes, bask in the effervescent energy, and witness the unstoppable rise of Ice Spice.
Unfortunately, Lil Uzi Vert and Jazmine Sullivan were not able to perform on the first day due to severe weather concerns. Lightning beamed through the skies, piercing the darkness and warning the crowd to retreat. The festival staff ensured that everyone was accounted for from start to finish. Security is almost always hit or miss at large events, and some media were not able to capture key moments due to a series of interruptions, but it all worked out in the end.
Safety was the main concern for BCFest! From the first day to the second, the routes to the stage were updated, and protocols were increased. Dehydration took over many fans, but with the artists stopping their sets to allow them to be escorted to safety, security passing out water, and medics readily available, the festival-goers were in good hands.
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Feature image courtesy of Muse.BlaQ/ xoNecole
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Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
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On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
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Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
"They asked for body products and we wanted to make sure we listened. But also layering fragrance begins with the body routine." The body wash is $33, and the body lotion is $35. Keep reading below to hear more about Tabitha and Chance's new collection, their body rituals, and what makes their partnership successful.
Fridays with Tab and Chance body collection
Marcus Owens
xoNecole: How did you come up with the scents for the collection?
Tabitha Brown: We love warm scents that make you feel sexy and loved. [We’re] both fans of gourmand [scents], including bergamot, vanilla, tonka and chocolate.
xoN: If you could describe your working relationship in one word, what would it be and why?
Tabitha: It's our first time building a product line together and our first time working with fragrance. So having patience with the process and each other has been the best way to build.
xoN: What is your body care ritual?
Tabitha: Exfoliate with a scrub a few times a week, but using a moisturizing body wash daily. After a shower, I spray a body mist that compliments what scent I am choosing for the day. Most times vanilla mist wins because it’s a perfect base for layering. I then hydrate [my] skin with lotion. Then, once dressed, I layer my favorite fragrance, Her Business, first and then His Business on top.
Chance: [I’m] way more simple. Just body wash and lotion and then my cologne and I’m good to go.
xoN: We enjoy watching you two together online, whose idea was it to start 'Fridays with Tab & Chance'?
Tabitha: It actually happened by accident. Back in 2018, my fans had just been asking about how we met, so we did a video answering questions one Friday and people in the comments [asked], will y’all do it again next Friday? And so we did and the next thing you know Fridays with Tab & Chance was born.
xoN: In what other ways do you plan to expand Fridays? Restart the podcast? TV show?
Tabitha: We are working on a lifestyle content show vs the traditional Fridays podcast. More to come soon.
xoN: You do many things together, but what would you say is your favorite quality time activity and why?
Tabitha: We are really simple. We love watching movies or TV series together on the couch or in bed. It’s really one of our favorite things to do together.
xoN: What is your favorite thing about the other person?
Tabitha: I love that he makes me feel safe and how hard he works to be an amazing father.
Chance: I love that she is crazy enough to pursue her wildest dreams.
xoN: What is the key to a successful partnership in business and personal?
Tabitha: The key is knowing that you both are going to change, and giving each other grace, patience, and understanding during those changes.
See more on tabandchance.com.
Feature image Marcus Owens