T.I., Keyshia Cole, The-Dream, and Plies to Headline 3rd Annual
Cousinz Festival at Norfolk Scope Grounds
Following a sold out 2025 festival, Cousinz Festival returns for its third
consecutive year with a nostalgic Hip-Hop and R&B lineup! Set to take place at Norfolk Scope Grounds
on Saturday, September 5, 2026, this year’s headliners feature legendary Grammy Award Winning
Hip-Hop artist T.I., R&B powerhouse Keyshia Cole, Grammy Award Winning singer and songwriter
The-Dream, and Southern rapper Plies, all who represent the Cousinz Festival audience of urban music
lovers. Additional acts include Bryan-Michael Cox & Friends and musical sets from Power 105.1 The
Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy; tour and daytime TV DJ, DJ Boof; Janet Jackson’s tour DJ, DJ Aktive; 92Q
Baltimore’s DJ Quicksilva; and international DJ, Jae Murphy.
“It’s year three, and we knew we wanted a mix of everything: legendary hip-hop, soulful R&B, and that
down south trap feel. Having T.I. coming to the 757 to perform his decades-long catalogue of hits is truly
an honor. Keyshia Cole’s longevity in the industry, especially with her first hits still going viral, made it an
easy choice for our audience. The-Dream has pioneered the ‘electro-R&B’ sound that still resonates
today. And Plies’s energy and songs are just going to bring the hype to the crowd that we love. We are
happy to have them, alongside some of our favorite DJs, at this year’s festival,” says Cousinz Festival
co-founder and Grammy Award winning artist Pusha T.
In 2024, artists Terrence ‘Pusha T’ Thornton and Nathaniel ‘FAMLAY’ Johnson, and Global Music Touring
CEO Antonio Dowe created Cousinz, a 1-day festival experience attracting thousands to the Norfolk
Scope Grounds for urban music, culinary cuisines, and community activations. Evolved from the same
energetic, familial spirit that has routinely drawn thousands of people to Norfolk’s RnB Block Party over
the last 4 years, the Cousinz Festival was created out of the love of and for Hampton Roads, or as the
residents affectionately call it, the 757.
“What makes Cousinz so special is that it’s created and produced by those who live in the 757, FOR
people in the 757. Each year, we’ve been proud of its growth as attendees are now traveling from
different states for the “Cousinz vibe.” That’s a testament to the brand that we’ve created: it’s a ‘feel
good’ time of music and community for everyone, and this year the experience will be enhanced. From
the pre-events and day-of activations to the aesthetics and overall experience, we want everyone to feel
like they’re at the biggest, best end of Summer family reunion,” says Antonio Dowe, CEO of Global Music
Touring and Cousinz Festival co-founder.
This year’s festival will be hosted once again by global comedian and actor Chico Bean and Radio Host
and Media Personality Dominique Da Diva who will both bring their talents and laughter to the indoor
and outdoor stages.
In August 2025, Cousinz had a sold-out event in which festival-goers enjoyed national recording artists
Jeezy, T-Pain, Lil’ Kim, Backyard Band, and a plethora of global DJs. For its third year, we’ll see the return
of Cousinz Radio, in partnership with Norfolk State University’s radio station, WNSB Hot 91.1. The 2
hour show–airing Saturdays from 12:00PM-2:00PM starting on June 6, 2026–will feature local and
national guests, a live DJ, and talk show-style segments designed to engage the audience.
“I grew up in Norfolk, and I’ve traveled the world extensively for decades. Nothing compares to
producing an event in your hometown with friends that have become family…for then everyone at the
event to be one big family, singing the same songs in unison and enjoying the same vibes. The music and
talent is great, but the community component is where we really salute our partners who have
supported us over the last 3 years to ensure we engage everyone at all levels. When we say there’s
something for everyone, we mean it. Panel conversations, home revitalizations, radio shows, community
activations, college scholarships – it’s all there. We’re bringing all of that back again for year three, and
it’s exciting,” explains FAMLAY, co-founder of Cousinz Festival and Global Music Touring
Online Pre-Sale for General Admission and VIP Tickets begins Friday, April 24 at 12:00PM|ET through
Thursday, April 30 at 11:59PM on the festival’s website, www.cousinzfestival.com. General On Sale
begins Friday, May 1 at 10:00AM|ET.
“We are grateful for the continued support from the City of Norfolk and all of our local and national
partners who make Cousinz Festival possible. It’s because of them, and the attendees, that the Cousinz
spirit lives on far beyond festival day,” concludes Pusha T.
