Essence Festival 2024


Hip-Hop legend MC Lyte made a memorable appearance at this year’s Essence Festival when introducing the talented kid rapper Van Van to an enthusiastic crowd. The audience was thrilled to see the young artist take the stage. Van Van’s performance was energetic and showcased that even at a her age, the […]

#EssenceFest: MC Lyte Shines Spotlight on Rising Star Van Van


Kendra Bracken-Ferguson has international acclaim in the world of health and beauty. Her global brand marketing firm, BrainTrust Founders Studio, is the largest membership-based platform for Black beauty and wellness founders and its adjacent BrainTrust Fund. During Essence Festival, Bracken-Ferguson took part in the author’s stage with her book, “The Beauty […]

Author Kendra Bracken-Ferguson Talks New Book “The Beauty of Success” ...


Since his mainstream debut in 2005, Raheem DeVaughn has consistently delivered bops, reigned as a staple in R&B and has grown as an artist and businessman, all while becoming a DMV icon. During Essence Fest Weekend, DeVaughn shared insights into his creative process over the years while touching on themes of […]

The Evolution of a Music Maestro: Raheem DeVaughn Talks Career, ...



In a captivating panel discussion during Essence Fest, top stars from Disney Entertainment Television delved into the significance of Black male representation on-screen and the evolving nature of their roles. The panel, moderated by the multi-talented Wayne Brady, featured prominent actors Luke James, Brian Michael Smith, McKinley Freeman, Jocko Sims, and […]

Disney Television Stars Discuss Evolution of Black Male Representation On-Screen ...



In an enchanting family-style conversation during Essence Fest, a celebration occurred when discussing the transition of Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” from the big screen to the innovative new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Moderated by Brooke Harper, the panel featured […]

Celebrating Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney Parks with Anika Noni ...



Candiace Dillard Bassett rose to fame on The Real Housewives of Potomac, which became a stepping stone to expand her career aspirations. The singer, actress, businesswoman, reality TV star and scholar is now on a different life journey, motherhood. In April of this year, Candiace Dillard Bassett announced her pregnancy with […]

From Reality TV to Real Life: Candiace Dillard Bassett on ...


Edward Buckles Jr. is a multi-faceted creative in the realm of visual storytelling. For the 30th anniversary of Essence Fest, the New Orleans native shot 4 different covers that focused on the culture and beauty of New Orleans people and culture for ESSENCE magazine. “Essence Fest is 30 years old and […]

Capturing New Orleans: Edward Buckles Jr. on ESSENCE Covers, Essence ...


Jay Ellis, known for his standout roles in TV series like “Insecure” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has expanded his talents to the literary world with the release of his new book. During Essence Fest, Ellis said that the concept behind his book, “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: […]

Jay Ellis Chronicles Childhood Adventures in New Book “Did Everyone ...



Reyna Roberts is a rising star in the music scene. After collaborating with Beyoncé on “Cowboy Carter,” we had the chance to catch up with Roberts at the 2024 Essence Festival. She said being a Black woman in Country music has been “incredible.” “I’ve been hoping and praying that people outside […]

#EssenceFest: Reyna Roberts Says Being a Black Woman in Country ...


The 30th birthday celebration of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® concluded with a spectacular day filled with sunrise-to-sunset unforgettable moments. The final day was graced by a star-studded lineup during the daytime events, featuring appearances from actress, singer, and producer Keke Palmer, voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, chart-topping Afrobeats singer and actress Tiwa Savage, comedian, […]

Janet Jackson, Victoria Monét, Maze and Frankie Beverly & More ...


Day three of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® continued as Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a candid “Chief to Chief” conversation with ESSENCE Ventures President and CEO Caroline Wanga at the Global Black Economic Forum HQ. The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture continued its third day with an electrifying lineup […]

From Leadership Insights to Star-Studded Performances: Day Three of ESSENCE ...



Day two of the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® was a spectacular celebration from sunrise to sunset, featuring the debut of two exciting experiences: ESSENCE Hollywood House™ and Suede: Men’s Experience™ at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The day was filled with notable events, including the return of the Global Black […]

ESSENCE Festival Unveils New Experiences and Celebrates Iconic Music Moments ...


The 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture, presented By Coca-Cola, marked its 30th anniversary with an opening day dedicated to honoring its long-time host city, New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell and ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga, joined by the executive leadership team, began the festivities with heartfelt remarks at the Press Welcome Event and Immersion, emphasizing […]

ESSENCE Festival Celebrates 30 Years with a Tribute to New ...


SheaMoisture, in collaboration with Smirnoff and Insights Marketing, is set to honor female leaders during Essence Festival weekend in New Orleans at the Women En Blanc event. 2024 marks the 5th anniversary of this historical brunch, renowned for Black women celebrating Black excellence among their peers. The Women En Blanc event […]

SheaMoisture’s 5th Annual ‘Women En Blanc Honors’ Celebrates Flau’Jae, Tabitha ...