NEW ORLEANS (AP) — After more than 20 years in the city of New Orleans, the Essence Festival is now going global.

Essence Communications Inc. President Michelle Ebanks said Thursday that the festival has launched a three-year partnership with eThekwini Municipality to host the Essence Festival in Durban, South Africa, in 2016 and 2017.

The Essence Festival Durban will follow the format of the annual event in New Orleans, which draws more than 450,000 people and has an economic impact of more than $200 million locally. Essence, in a statement Thursday, said the new project will present international performers and speakers and feature a host of local artists and experts.

Durban Mayor James Nxumalo (NYX-im-AH-low) says the partnership will help with its focus on the development of women and youth in business.

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