Pharrell Williams to launch music festival in Virginia Beach in April

Pharrell Williams is heading home to Virginia Beach to launch a new music and culture festival.

Pharrell Williams, left, and Helen Lasichanh arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. [Photo: IC]

The Grammy-winning superstar announced SOMETHING IN THE WATER, a multi-day event he's calling a "cultural experience" that will debut April 26-28. He will perform on a stage set on the beach; other performers include Missy Elliott, Janelle Monae, Travis Scott and Jaden Smith.

Pharrell says he created the festival to give back to the community that raised him and helped him achieve his goals and dreams.

The festival won't just focus on music: The film "The Burial of Kojo" will be screened, followed by a discussion. The film will premiere on Netflix on March 31.

Virginia Beach Mayor Robert Dyer says the festival "is going to be a transformative event for the city."

(Story includes material sourced from AP)