#EssenceFest: Reyna Roberts Says Being a Black Woman in Country Has Been ‘Incredible,’ Talks Beyoncé Uplifting Black Artists in Country Music

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 of Country music will see that we’re here and support and encourage us,” Roberts said, adding that this year was her first Essence Fest.

Roberts is one of the singers featured on “Blackbiird,” a cover by The Beatles on “Cowboy Carter” with fellow Black women Country artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer and Tiera Kennedy, as well as background vocals for “Tyrant.”

The last time we spoke to Roberts, there was no indication she would be on Beyoncé’s Country album, but she did defend Beyoncé doing Country music.

Roberts couldn’t speak on how the feature came about, but she has continuously been grateful for the opportunity and told us what Beyoncé meant to her within the country music scene.

“All I can say is I did a song with Beyoncé,” Roberts sang. “ I can’t give any details, but I can say that Beyoncé is incredible and she didn’t have to uplift us, but she showed our voice to the world. There’s one thing about people saying that they want to uplift us and encourage, but it’s another thing entirely to actually do it and take action and elevate us and open so many new doors.”

While at her first Essence Festival, Roberts performed at the convention center and made an appearance on the main Essence Festival stage with Lady London and Amber Riley.

Roberts’ magnetic presence and vocals drew everyone in, creating an atmosphere of awe and admiration during her performance. Each step she took further into the audience seemed to strengthen the connection between her and the spectators.

Roberts’ dynamic movement and engaging performance left an indelible mark on everyone present, ensuring they would remember this moment for a long time, especially the young Black girls in attendance.