Essence Festival

This year's Essence Festival took on an added political significance in part because of Democrats' apparent recent realization that Black women are the backbone of the party.

Original air date: July, 24, 2015 Roland Martin and NewsOne Now bring you sights, sounds, and exclusive interviews from the 2015 Essence Festival in New Orleans.  India Arie Talks New Music, Addresses Skin Lightening Controversy Neo-soul sensation India Arie chatted with NewsOne Now host Roland Martin during the 2015 Essence Fest. During their conversation, Arie talked […]

Usher made a bold statement with his attire at the Essence Music Festival this weekend. Not widely known for his political opinions, the singer appeared in New Orleans on Independence Day with a shirt that crossed out “July Fourth” and highlighted Juneteenth instead. In addition to his dismissal of the holiday, he questioned the current […]

During this year’s “Essence” Festival, Roland Martin sat down with Lionel Richie. During their chat Richie explained how he got started in the music industry, how concert audiences overseas love our music and what he is looking forward to in 2015. Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 a.m. EST and watch at 9 a.m. EST on […]

Roland Martin talked with “New York Times” best-selling author, Terry McMillan about what she loves about “Essence” Fest, new book, “Who Asked You” and the a possibility of a “Waiting to Exhale” sequel. Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 a.m. EST and watch at 9 a.m. EST on TV One. 

Roland Martin caught up with Charlie Wilson during this year’s “Essence Fest.” Uncle Charlie broke down the secret to his success in the music business on the “NewsOne Now” Essence Special. Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 a.m. EST and watch at 9 a.m. EST on TV One. 

Roland Martin talked with “Essence” Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. Bush about challenges of being the voice of Black women. Bush also discusses how important African American women’s voices are in deciding future elections. Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 a.m. EST and watch at 9 a.m. EST on TV One.     

Podcast: Download Roland Martin caught up with Charlie Wilson during this year’s “Essence Fest.” Uncle Charlie broke down the secret to his success in the music business on the “NewsOne Now” Essence Special. Subscribe to the “NewsOne Now” Video Podcast on iTunes Listen to today’s entire show, subscribe on iTunes! Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 […]

Podcast: Download This year’s Essence Festival was amazing and “NewsOne Now” was there to cover it all. Listen to interviews with Anthony Anderson, David and Tamela Mann, Michelle Williams, Lionel Richie, Erica Campbell, Tyrese, Raheem DeVaughn, Ledisi and appearances from some of our biggest stars. All that and more in this edition of the NewsOne Now Audio Podcast. If you missed the “NewsOne Now” Essence […]

Singer/Actor Tyrese thanks Coca-Cola for launching his career and changing his life during this year’s Essence Festival. Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 a.m. EST and watch at 9 a.m. EST on TV One. 

David and Tamela Mann talked with Roland Martin during this year’s Essence Festival about having chemistry in marriage and  upcoming reality series, “Meet the Manns.” Be sure to listen to “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 7 a.m. EST and watch at 9 a.m. EST on TV One. 

It’s not every day that music fans get to see the artistry of Prince or Nile Rodgers live. Well, imagine the pleasure of Essence Festival attendees who were lucky enough to witness Rodgers join Prince on stage to perform “Let’s Dance” – a song recorded by David Bowie and produced by Rodgers. It was all caught on […]