Before Not Your Average Girl won Best Documentary Film at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Hope Giselle nearly kept the eight-year passion project from being submitted at all. During a conversation with InquisitiveCarter.com, the activist, author and filmmaker reflected on the self-doubt that almost prevented audiences from seeing the documentary, […]
For Daley, returning to New Orleans wasn’t just another performance; it marked the beginning of a new chapter. The British singer-songwriter helped kick off ESSENCE Festival weekend on July 2 during SiriusXM Heart & Soul Presents “Night in N’Awlins” at Tipitina’s alongside Raheem DeVaughn and Lalah Hathaway. The intimate concert marked […]
For generations across the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, The Quiet Storm has been more than a late-night radio show. It’s a cultural institution. A soundtrack for first loves, long drives home, family gatherings and moments of reflection. Since its debut on WHUR in 1976, the format has influenced radio […]
Award-winning artist Ricky Dillard’s career has long connected gospel and Chicago house music, a crossover he says happened naturally rather than through a deliberate career shift. Speaking with InquisitiveCarter.com at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Dillard reflected on blending Gospel with House music and remaining grounded in his faith throughout […]
Shamea Morton is embracing her second season as a full-time peach holder on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but she isn’t letting public criticism distract her from what matters most. Speaking with InquisitiveCarter.com during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Morton addressed the online scrutiny surrounding the current season, reflected on […]
In the latest episode of NPR’s Black Music Month celebration, Grammy Award-winning rapper, actress, and entrepreneur Eve graced the Tiny Desk stage. The platinum-selling artist performed a medley of hits from her first three albums, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of her sophomore album, “Scorpion.” Eve’s full setlist includes “Satisfaction,” “What […]
R&B fans were treated to a nostalgic showcase of smooth vocals and timeless hits as Joe took center stage for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series in celebration of Black Music Month. The veteran singer delivered a performance that highlighted the signature sound that made him one of R&B’s most recognizable voices. […]
Pier Six Pavilion is set to host a new waterfront concert series called Soul on the Water, described as “celebrating the timeless influence of soul, jazz, R&B and culture.” The Finn Group partnership will bring live performances across summer and fall, featuring artists such as Raheem DeVaughn, Chanté Moore, Tank and the […]
After an extended hiatus, Daley returns with his new single “Lavender,” marking his first release since 2018. Written and produced alongside UK genre-bending producer Swindle, the track blends alternative R&B, soul and cinematic textures into a lush meditation on intimacy, escapism and emotional surrender. Opening with sweeping orchestral strings before transitioning […]
With his signature tone that has cultivated fans for decades, Johnny Gill is back with his latest single, “A Dance, A Kiss.”
As COVID-19 lockdown restrictions begin to lift, Zaire, written and directed by Iman DuPree, unfolds with a quiet urgency as it explores societal expectations, yearning, intersectionality and the dehumanization of modern workers through a story of personal transformation in a world still adjusting to change. Starring Carmen Banks as Zaire Okundaye, […]
Singer-songwriter, musician, and Broadway star Jai’Len Josey has officially stepped into a new chapter with the release of her debut album Serial Romantic. The project, released via Def Jam Recordings, marks a defining moment for the Atlanta-born artist, showcasing not only her evolution as a performer but also the depth of […]
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola is expanding its creative team for 2026 by bringing in Cultural Curators to shape different parts of the festival experience. They join Chief Curator Teyana Taylor, who oversees the overall vision and direction of the event. Three curators will each lead a key […]
Months after a 14-year-old girl’s body was discovered inside a towed SUV, alt-pop singer D4vd has been arrested and officially charged in connection with the case, according to authorities. The 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Burke, was taken into custody April 16 on suspicion of murder in the death […]
In 2009, she sang, “That Rihanna reign just won’t let up,” and the line continues to hold true today. As of April 15, Rihanna has become the first woman to surpass 200 million RIAA singles certifications, despite not releasing a full studio album in 10 years. She currently holds third place […]
