After ten long years D’Angelo will make his first U.S. appearance at the 2012 Essence Music Festival.

D’Angelo, who performed a hand full of dates in Europe earlier this year is set to open this year’s Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Joining D’Anglelo on the roster are SWV, Aretha Franklin, Dru Hill, Trey Songz, Fantasia, Stefanie Mills, Carl Thomas, Estelle, Keyshia Cole, Eve, Kirk Franklin, Melanie Fiona, Ledisi and many more.

The festival runs July 6 to July 8.