Latest news with #EssenceFest
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lauryn Hill speaks on the delays that caused her to play to a near-empty stadium at 2.30am in New Orleans
Lauryn Hill publicly defends herself for 'nonsense' claims in the press about why she was almost two hours late for her scheduled performance at the Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4. The 50-year-old singer, who got on stage at 2.30am to put on a show to a thinned-out audience in New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, was a late addition to the line-up and she was originally scheduled to close out the night hours earlier than she did. The entire night was delayed due to multiple late starts from earlier performers, which culminated in Hill being held up. Performance delays: Lauryn Hill issued a statement spelling out the reasons behind her hitting the stage at 2.30am for her time at Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4 Videos of the Superdome, which has an official capacity of 83,000, showed the practically empty space as Hill performed into the early hours of the morning. While many fans bashed the singer for the late start, especially regarding her history of late performances, Essence Fest also issued a statement on Sunday where it took responsibility for the delay. The event said: '[Hill] arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can. The delay? Not hers. We will take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched.' Hill said: 'Thank you Essence Fest for clarifying that the delays were not my fault. Family, let me address a few things. 'I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do. 'And for this reason: I rehearse and arrange the music diligently with my band. I am involved in every aspect of design, preparation and production of my shows while also being a parent, grandparent, and steward to my immediate family and community. 'While some get to focus on a single discipline or category, my role requires that I have eyes everywhere and contribute to most if not every department and more. 'I do this without complaint because it is truly a labor of love and great passion for me to be able to perform meaningful music for my audience.' The news of Hill's delayed set was met with much ridicule online, and fans cited numerous performances she'd been several hours late for, which she also addressed. Hill said on Instagram: 'There seems to be a misconception out there though that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I am too important to care. That's nonsense... and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true. 'Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, to the shallow, to the controlled, and to the intentionally limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so. We are here, pushing through the resistance.' Hill continued: 'Ask yourself how and why I'm still standing after years of public effort to defame me? Because someone has to do it! 'I'm often quiet, knowing full well that God fights my battles, but this is not the first time production delays have delayed my performance.' 'This IS however the first time a promoter has acknowledged the slip up on their end, (thank you Essence!) and this will be the last time I'll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone when they aren't.' The singer then seemed to aim at haters: 'Those of you who can no longer extend me grace, I'm OK with that, because it's not your grace that sustains me. It's God's grace that sustains me and the love of fans who appreciate that my message came for them when they needed it most and KNOW that I was probably being punished for being so honest in the midst of big business. 'I will continue to push and play for these and other similar reasons. Those who can't see it yet, catch you when you do.' The singer also addressed the press: 'Media, fact-check and watch what you irresponsibly put out there - there are consequences for misrepresenting the facts. 'Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us. Family, always remember: what the enemy means for evil God will turn around for good! Respectfully, MLH.' Hill also shared a number of pictures of herself performing at the Superdome and a few of the fans in attendance as well as those for her set. Nola News shared video from the sparse Superdome with Hill on stage. In the past, the singer's developed a reputation for going on stage much later than she's originally scheduled to, which many fans mentioned on social media. One said: 'Lauryn Hill is a scam artist and I don't know why y'all keep supporting her.' Another retweeted a message about the late ending with: 'Stop. Booking. Her.' Others defended Hill by clarifying what actually happened. So much to say: X was filled with messages from the star's ardent fans and haters
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
44 percent: Alligator Alcatraz, EssenceFest, Haiti hotel and more
The pages of Essence Magazine are etched in my brain — from the cover stories and columns to the ads and the photos. There was the AIDS/HIV issue which featured Rae Lewis-Thornton talking about her diagnosis (she shares her story again with updates in the latest issue of the magazine). And we can't forget the iconic photo with some of our Hollywood divas such as Halle Berry, Loretta Devine, Vivica Fox and many more. For little Black girls growing up, you aspired to write for the beloved Black mag or be featured in it. And of course, you couldn't wait for the day that you would one day go to Essence Music Festival, as it was once called, a three-day affair focused on 'a party with a purpose' that celebrated Black women and featured musical acts during the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans. So, it was disheartening to read the complaints about this past weekend's affair being disorganized. Performing acts (at least three) have complained that the mismanagement of sets led to technical problems and delays. And some attendees complained that EssenceFest (as it is now called) isn't what it used to be. I'm hoping leadership behind the festival actually heeds comments from those who went and received what they considered was a subpar experience and be open to suggestions for next year's festival. INSIDE THE 305: As the jokes fly, Alligator Alcatraz evokes racist trope of 'gator bait' As jokes about alligators eating immigrant detainees made the rounds, I wrote about the racist history behind 'gator bait,' a racist practice that actually existed where Black children were used as literal bait for alligators during slavery and Jim Crow. The mocking of immigrant detainees harks back to 'the worst parts of our history' when similar jokes and tropes, such as 'gator bait,' were used to dehumanize Black people and desensitize people to the harm and violence inflicted upon them, says ACLU Florida Executive Director Bacardi Jackson. Bending the Bars: Hip-hop album showcases the talent at Broward County jails Julius Smith is hogging the phones at the Taylor Correctional Institute in Perry, northern Florida. He dials the same number on both phones, making sure he's able to hear clearly on both lines, WLRN reporter Carlton Gillespie reported. Smith, who goes by Prince Jooveh, is one of the fifteen incarcerated artists who appear on the new album Bending the Bars. The hip-hop album features sixteen tracks from different artists, most of whom are from Broward County jails. OUTSIDE THE 305: Gangs burn down Haiti's iconic Hotel Oloffson, host to stars and writers Haiti's storied Hotel Oloffson, a favorite haunt of writers and artists that survived dictatorship, coups and a devastating earthquake and was immortalized in novelist Graham Greene's 'The Comedians,' is no more, writes Haiti correspondent Jacqueline Charles. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson emerges as a leading dissenter in an era of Trump Two trends have emerged at the Supreme Court in recent weeks: President Donald Trump is on a winning streak and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the court's junior-most justice, is having none of it, CNN reported. That dynamic was on full display yet again Tuesday as the court handed down a significant – if temporary – decision allowing the White House to move forward with plans to dramatically reduce the size of the federal government. Jackson penned a solo dissent and the justice, who recently took up boxing as a way to relieve stress off the bench, pulled no punches. HIGH CULTURE: Temple University course explores Kendrick Lamar's life Kendrick Lamar's life, cultural impact and music will be the subject of a new course at Temple University this fall, WHYY reported. The course, 'Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City,' will examine Lamar's life through an Afrocentric lens.
Black America Web
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Baddies On The Ground: A Gallery Of Fly Girls, Queen Muvas & Viral Stunners Who Slayed At Essence Fest 2025
Source:for ESSENCE The baddies were on the ground at this year's energy-elevating Essence Fest where culture collided with community at the star-powered spectacular in the heart of the Big Easy. Surrounded by stunners, attendees were treated to every of flavor of eye candy from Coco Jones to Keke Palmer who brought her hit podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer to the Essence main stage for a special live-taping. Joined by golden-penned Grammy-winner/reality star Kandi Burruss, Keke delivered her signature brand of hilarity while vibing with her hitmaking guest in front of an overflowing crowd in the convention center. Source:for ESSENCE Source:for ESSENCE Source:for ESSENCE The multi-jobbed maven also dropped an exclusive clip of her upcoming comedy-heist film The Pickup starring Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson coming to Prime Video on August 6. In The Pickup, mismatched armored truck drivers, Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), find themselves caught up in Keke's $60 million casino robbery plot with plans that go way beyond the cash cargo. Source: Amazon MGM Studios As chaos unfolds around them, the unlikely duo must navigate high-octane danger, clashing personalities and one very bad day that keeps getting worse. Check out the trailer below: Directed by Tim Story ( The Blackening , Ride Along , and Barbershop ), the surefire streaming hit also stars Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, Joe 'Roman Reigns' Anoa'i, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. 'He's an icon,' said Story about working with Murphy during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show . 'We hear a lot about comedians talking about how much he's made an impact on them, [but] sometimes you don't hear how he's impacted filmmaking…he's a big reason why I make the movies I make.' Will you be seated for The Pickup ? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of fly girls, queen muvas and viral stunners who slayed Essence Fest 2025 on the flip. The post Baddies On The Ground: A Gallery Of Fly Girls, Queen Muvas & Viral Stunners Who Slayed At Essence Fest 2025 appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO Baddies On The Ground: A Gallery Of Fly Girls, Queen Muvas & Viral Stunners Who Slayed At Essence Fest 2025 was originally published on
![Black Brilliance: ‘Beyond The Gates' Cast Celebrates Renewal & Refreshing Representation At Essence Fest [Exclusive]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbossip.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F28%2F2025%2F07%2F17520989406715.jpg%3Fquality%3D80%26strip%3Dall&w=3840&q=100)
Black America Web
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Black Brilliance: ‘Beyond The Gates' Cast Celebrates Renewal & Refreshing Representation At Essence Fest [Exclusive]
Under the bright lights and bold beats of this year's 2025 Essence Fest, CBS's newest soap shone bright. Beyond The Gates , the sumptuous saga of secrets, status, and the sprawling Dupree dynasty, has already been renewed for a second season, a swift and significant win for a show that only debuted in February. Source: Robin L Marshall / Getty The first daytime soap with a predominantly Black cast in more than 35 years, Beyond the Gates weaves its stories around an elite Maryland family whose power and passion extend far beyond their gated community. Created by acclaimed writer Michele Val Jean and executive produced by Sheila Ducksworth, the show has helped revitalize CBS's daytime block, with viewership gains and industry buzz to match. At Essence Fest, where Beyond the Gates felt perfectly at home amid a weekend celebrating culture, community, and creativity, BOSSIP caught up with cast members Tamara Tunie and Karla Mosley, along with executive producer Sheila Ducksworth. Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Images 'It feels terrific,' Ducksworth told BOSSIP when asked about the show's season two renewal. 'It's another season to bring you all the happenings of everything Beyond The Gates and with the Dupree family. It's just something that we just love more than I can even say to have the opportunity five days a week to tell these stories with these characters and really show us a side of America that people haven't seen before.' Five days a week of fierce family drama is no small feat, and one of its most talked-about characters is the fiery and fearless Dani Dupree, portrayed by Karla Mosley. Dani is the firecracker of the Dupree family who never backs down from a fight (or a suckerpunch) , especially if it involves herself or her relatives. Source: Robin L Marshall / Getty 'Yes,' Mosley said when asked if Dani is a fighter. 'And I think that's the thing. Everything she does comes from love. She just can't help it, she says, and she acts first, and then she doesn't really think that much about the repercussions, she just keeps going, but it all comes from a place of love and truth, and just wanting justice.' That blend of raw emotion and righteous energy is matched by Tamara Tunie's portrayal of Anita Dupree, the commanding yet compassionate mother at the heart of the show. Known for playing strong women across stage and screen, Tunie effortlessly pumps power and poise into her role as the Dupree matriarch. Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Images 'Who does she worry about the most? Anita worries about all her children,' Tunie told BOSSIP . 'The two sisters (Dani and Nicole) are very different. Nicole is much more calm and steady, and Dani's a little more impulsive, you know, but she loves them both. And she loves them in different ways, because she meets them where they're in need, and she fills that.' The family dynamics are rich and real, but at the center of it all is a constant current, Black excellence. BOSSIP asked each cast member to define it in their own words, and the answers painted a vivid portrait of purpose and pride. Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Images 'I mean, it's something that it was always expected and always was in my life. So for me, it's the norm, you know?' said Tunie. 'But it's great to be able to represent it on television, and I'm not saying Black excellence is only about wealth or money or material things. It's about what's happening in here,' she added, placing her hand over her heart. 'And how you are moving through the world. Whether you are the garbage man, the postman, or a doctor, it's how you are moving through the world and what you represent and what you're bringing and putting into the world. That's what Black excellence is, to me.' Mosley agreed, reflecting on her personal experiences while filming in the peach state's celebrated capital city, ATL. 'I think that's so beautifully put,' she said. 'And you know, it's exciting for me to be on the soap, but also to live in Atlanta, to be here in New Orleans, to be in the South around so many more Black people, and where it's the norms and just show up as you as fully as you are, and where children are encouraged to speak their minds, and that what they have to say is important and valued, and our innovation is celebrated. I think that's really what it is all about.' Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Images Then Ducksworth brought it all home with clarity and conviction. 'It's about being the best that you can be, whatever stage of your life that you're in with being the best that it can be,' she told BOSSIP . 'When I first went to put the show together, it was really about something that inspires, and something the people can aspire to. And that's exactly what this show delivers on. It's all about just being the best that you can possibly be.' As Beyond the Gates heads into its second season, its success isn't just a win for CBS, it's a triumph for storytelling that centers and celebrates the richness of Black identity. With each episode, the show redefines what daytime drama can look like, and at Essence Fest, the cast reminded us why representation means absolutely everything from inside the gates and beyond. The post Black Brilliance: 'Beyond The Gates' Cast Celebrates Renewal & Refreshing Representation At Essence Fest [Exclusive] appeared first on Bossip. SEE ALSO Black Brilliance: 'Beyond The Gates' Cast Celebrates Renewal & Refreshing Representation At Essence Fest [Exclusive] was originally published on
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How Black Women Influencers Dominated A $24B Market At Essence Fest
SOC18TY influencers at Essence Fest-related event. Black women have been major stakeholders in the $24 billion global influencer marketing industry, and this past weekend at Essence Fest, that was on full display. From micro-influencers to creators boasting six-figure audiences, there were creators from a variety of niches ready to network and expand their reach. Their goals were to build visibility, land new deals and signal influence among an audience that spans both social and corporate systems. There's data to back this up. According to McKinsey & Company, Black women over-index on fashion spending, and they are also more likely to follow and trust influencers who look like them. This makes Black women not only influential consumers but also powerful cultural intermediaries. Essence Fest has continued to position itself as a forum for Black-owned brands to tap into their brand equity. This year, influencers understood that and monetized it. The festival's unofficial dress code this year leaned into three dominant themes: maximalism, nostalgic Black girl luxury and independent designers. The looks ranged from butterfly-themed two-pieces, feathered tops and silk sets to braided buns with hair jewelry and statement sunglasses, all visually optimized for content. For Crystal Obasanya, a Dallas-based lifestyle influencer, the event this year was about honoring both personal evolution and cultural heritage. Crystal Obasanya poses in front of The Hilton hotel in New Orleans, LA. 'This year, I approached fashion at Essence with a balance of self-expression, culture, and comfort, especially as I'm expecting. I wanted my looks to reflect this season of life while still honoring the legacy of Black fashion,' Obasanya said. 'A few of my outfits were inspired by Black dandyism and the excellence that has always been at the heart of Black style.' For Obasanya, fashion is also a portal for visual storytelling. 'Fashion plays a big role in my brand because it helps tell my story visually, both personally and professionally. It also creates natural opportunities for partnerships with brands and designers who align with my approach to style, whether that's through celebrating culture, embracing bold fashion, or offering comfort-forward pieces that still feel elevated.' That logic has driven a growing number of creators and stylists to treat Essence like Fashion Week. Some even arrive with their own photographers and glam squads. The result is a style economy that mirrors—and arguably rivals—the energy of Coachella or NYFW, but with a distinctly Black woman lens. This matters because, in an attention economy, aesthetics drive reach, and reach drives revenue. A group of content creators pose for a photo at an event in New Orleans, LA during Essence Fest ... More weekend. TikTok trends and the fast-paced digital zeitgeist make visibility a form of social currency, and fashion has become a major part of that movement. Black women are among the savviest players in the space, actively wearing the trends, setting them and tagging brands for marketing leverage. The most effective partnerships are those that come from creators who bring brands into their narratives. A GRWM reel in a hotel room. A sponsored dinner look tagged in the French Quarter. A Day 3 recap showing outfit changes and sponsor placements. These touchpoints matter more than traditional ads. Events like Society18's private social hour, which was organized specifically for Black and brown creators, created a space for networking, particularly in light of the changing creator economy. Founded in 2019 by Pamela Zapata, Society18 is a woman- and minority-owned agency that represents multicultural and multiethnic creators. The agency's primary goal is to empower Black and Brown influencers to approach brand deals with an emphasis on ownership, strategy and long-term value. This focus on both business and identity is what makes Essence Fest such a unique platform for creators. Influencer Takia Nelson poses for a photo. Essence Fest's host city is more than just a location. New Orleans, with its history, energy and architecture, has become a dynamic set for the continuity of the influencer ecosystem. Street photoshoots in front of Creole homes, rooftop reels with skyline views and daytime content inside art installations all served as the perfect backdrop for influencers looking for vivid, candid moments and the kind of high-impact visuals that drive engagement and brand alignment. For decades, several fashion brands have been late to recognize Black women as core tastemakers and strategic partners. The shift toward recognizing Black women as tastemakers wasn't organic but rather influenced by 2020's racial shift, which forced corporate processes to evolve. Companies established supplier diversity programs and began tracking racial representation across their organizations, with many committing to increasing Black representation by 20% over three years. Although DE&I has experienced significant pushback ever since, the ripple effect from 2020's reckonings is still present, especially at Essence Fest. This year's event saw activations from legacy and indie brands alike—Hanifa, Telfar, SheaMoisture, Mielle, and even Amazon's Style vertical—all eager to connect with creators who could authentically represent their products in-market. But the most valuable were in the comments and story views of the creators themselves. When micro-influencers posted their festival fits, shared beauty routines, or styled an emerging designer, they were testing ROI and engaging in brand visibility. And the smartest brands will build their Q3-Q4 plans accordingly. Influencer marketing is not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, brands are expected to spend $9.29 billion on influencer-related campaigns in 2025—a 14.2% increase from the $8.14 billion invested in 2024, according to Shopify. For Black and brown creators, especially those operating in culturally resonant spaces like Essence Fest, this signals not just opportunity, but leverage. As companies seek authenticity and reach, the value of creators who understand both cultural nuance and content strategy is rising. Essence Fest has long been seen as a cultural homecoming, and the creator economy is giving them an opportunity to set the pace, shape brand perception, and decide, on their terms, what influence looks like. As Obasanya put it: 'Black fashion at Essence Festival means showing up unapologetically, boldly, and joyfully. It means taking up space, celebrating your unique style, and having fun with what you wear. Whether it's vibrant colors, striking silhouettes or meaningful accessories, Black fashion at Essence is always a reflection of creativity, heritage and freedom.'
