Malik Yusef

(NEWARK, NJ) -- As rain clouds lifted and skies cleared, the 20th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival’s R&B Night (July 25, 2025) unfolded under a perfect Newark evening sky. A crowd of thousands was treated to a soulful journey that began with a powerful, poetic performance by Grammy artist Malik Yusef. The energy intensified as Monifah took the stage and Tia Holt followed, leading up to a show-stopping set by headliner Raheem DeVaughn.

Yusef dropped poetic pearls of wisdom and laced the air with lyrical gems about the need for males to comfortably share their emotions with their partners. “It took me hours to digest, eating humble pie,” flowed Yusef. “I’m gonna’ go outside in the rain before I go insane … I’m finally not too shy to let my woman see me cry. Most die, before most cry.” Monifah set the stage for a night of smooth grooves and heartfelt lyrics. Performing her 90’s hits “Touch It” and “I Miss You”, the audience enjoyed the classic sounds, swaying to the memorable melodies. Festivalgoers threw their hands up in the air as the soul singer sang new releases from her independent album, ”Grace at Midnight.”

"Year after year, the Lincoln Park Music Festival delivers music and a celebratory vibe for Lincoln Park residents, Newark residents, and the greater New Jersey community," said Lincoln Park Executive Producer Anthony Smith. "We bring together major artists, both national and homegrown musicians for eight days. Tonight's performances, featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Malik Yusef, Monifah, and others, showcased the power of unity, vibrancy and artistic magic that Newark makes."

Tia Holt

The Tia Holt Experience, a dynamic and soulful music group, delivered a blend of passion and artistry to their performance. Led by Tia Holt, who has shared the stage with renowned artists like Fantasia, The Clark Sisters, Cissy Houston, and Lalah Hathaway, the group delivered raw, heartfelt moments through their powerful melodies and rhythms.

Raheem DeVaughn

Raheem DeVaughn, Newark’s own three-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, made a mesmerizing debut at the Lincoln Park Music Festival as the headliner of Rhythm & Blues Night. His sultry melodies and heartfelt anthems showcased the emotional depth and passion that have solidified his place as one of this generation’s most beloved voices. DeVaughn has built a loyal fan base and earned critical acclaim with chart-topping hits like “You,” “Customer,” and the female-empowering anthem “Woman.”

Newark-native, Tobias Truvillion, a film star and television actor, served as special guest emcee alongside Lynette LaShawn and Anita Dickens.

Tobias Truvillion

The Lincoln Park Music Festival is the largest multi-day music festival in the region that pays homage to the African American and Afro-Caribbean diaspora. The festival, part of a citywide coalition of Newark’s most beloved cultural events – Festivals United Newark (FUN), has become a cultural pillar, fostering community connections while celebrating unity, creativity, and pride.

Funded through a $1.5 million grant awarded to the Newark Alliance from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Festivals United Newark (FUN) is a unique partnership of leading festival and event organizers in the City of Newark, NJ. For the first time, Newark’s major festival planners have come together to form a coalition of the city’s most beloved cultural events. Together under one umbrella, FUN members include AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, and Newark Winter Village, all in partnership with the Newark City Parks Foundation. FUN ensures a summer, fall, and winter filled with music, art, food and community. FUN is more than just a name – it’s a movement.

Here are more photos from the event.

Photos by Festivals United Newark