The Oscars - Sinners Performance

Through her talent agency Bloc LA, Esi had the honor of performing at the 98th Academy Awards as part of the live tribute to Sinners, the four-time Academy Award-winning film. Choreographed by Aakomon Jones with Amy Allen as assistant choreographer, the performance recreated one of the film's most unforgettable scenes: the juke joint sequence in which main character Miles Caton sings "I Lied to You" and conjures spirits from across time.

Esi was cast as an African dancer and performed the traditional Zulu Ukusina, a celebratory dance rooted in the cultural life of the Zulu people of South Africa. Characterized by powerful leg kicks, rhythmic footwork, and dynamic full-body expression, Ukusina is traditionally performed at moments of communal joy and spiritual significance, making it a resonant and deliberate choice for a scene built around ancestral conjuring.

The performance was led by Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, both on guitar. Esi shared the stage with an extraordinary ensemble: musicians Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Shaboozey, Eric Gales, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Alice Smith, and Bobby Rush; Sinners cast members Li Jun Li, Jayme Lawson, and Jack O'Connell; ballet legend Misty Copeland; and countless talented dancers. The performance was seen by millions watching the broadcast worldwide and stands as one of the most creatively and professionally significant moments of Esi's career.