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50 Cent is breathing new life into Shreveport, Louisiana with his new Humor & Harmony Festival.
50 Cent is breathing new life into Shreveport, Louisiana, after expanding his media empire and launching a new festival in the southern city.
Small businesses enjoyed long lines and sold-out menus following a successful turnout to the hip-hop mogul’s inaugural Humor & Harmony Weekend, KSLA reports. Held from August 8 to August 11, the festival aimed to raise money for underserved youth as part of 50 Cent’s (real name Curtis Jackson) G-Unity Foundation.
People from all over the country flocked to Downtown Shreveport’s Red River District to enjoy pop-up restaurant experiences, vendors, and events that amplified small businesses throughout the city. Famous faces drew large crowds who came to see a comedy show where Dave Chappelle served as a special guest, artists like Master P, Da Baby, and Flo Rida hit the stage, and a celebrity basketball game saw Bow Wow, Andrew Johnson, 2 Chainz and more battle it out.
The festival’s turnout highlights 50’s star power and the vibrancy he plans to bring to Shreveport after launching his G-Unit Studios in the city in April.
“I could not be more proud of the City of Shreveport and all the people who traveled to participate in our first Humor & Harmony Weekend to benefit the G-Unity Foundation,” 50 Cent shared in a statement.
“While this weekend may have served as proof of concept for some, for me, it just confirmed everything I already knew. The City of Shreveport has officially earned its spot on the national scene as a place open for business, investment, and tourism. All Roads Lead to Shreveport. Thank you to all of the people who came out to support us for a great cause.”
The turnout was so big that by Sunday, August 11, the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) had to issue an official announcement about shutting down entry to the Red River District due to the dome having reached maximum capacity. Photos from the event show the packed event where attendees stood shoulder to shoulder while indulging in the festivities.
Local businesses saw a massive turn in profit thanks to the swarms of people that hit the city streets. One pizza shop was forced to close business for two days due to selling out its entire menu.
“Because we are not like them, this weekend has been PROFITABLE and PRODUCTIVE!” Pop N Pizza wrote on Facebook. “As of 10:34 pm, we are completely sold out and will resume our normal hours of operation on Tuesday! 🙌🏽🙌🏽”
Other big names who appeared at the festival included comedians Katt Williams, Andrew Shultz, Matt Rife, and Bill Bellamy, who performed at the comedy show. Moneybag Yo, Monica, Cam’ron, and Keith Sweat added to the music leg of the festival, as well as A Boogie, 2 Chainz, Jeremih, Gillie Da King, and more who hit the court for a celebrity basketball game.
“Humor Harmony, The POWER UNIVERSE we different we #1 @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” 50 Cent captioned a video of his stage performance.
The festival is just some of what 50 Cent has planned for his expanding business empire in Shreveport.
“As someone who has always believed in the transformative power of music, film, and television, I’m beyond excited to introduce the expansion of my G-Unit Film & Television through the launch of G-Unit Studios right here in Shreveport,” he told Billboard in April.
Establishing G-Unit Studios in Shreveport “is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to fostering talent, creating opportunities, and building a community that thrives through creativity and innovation. We see Shreveport as a beacon of inspiration and creativity,” he added.
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