Essence Fest

Roland Martin and NewsOne Now were on hand to capture the sights and sounds of this year's Essence Festival.

The intro to "The May 4th Movement Starring Doodlebug" began playing and it felt like the room was holding its breath. Though this wasn't the first time Digable Planets rejoined forces after splitting in 1995, those opening horns marked the first time many were seeing them perform in years — which was easy to forget.

ESSENCE Festival 2016 is finally upon us, and with festivities just hours away, ESSENCE has announced they will celebrate the life of Prince with a New Orleans-themed tribute on Sunday (July 3).

Is Elle Varner trying to tell us that she's going to be on 'Empire?'

"God has afforded me a platform to stand on this stage and I better make use of this time."

The 2015 ESSENCE Festival has come to a close, but whether it was Kendrick Lamar‘s astonishing performance featuring all of his hits, some love for NOLA, or a…

Just when you thought you couldn't love Usher more.

P&G My Black Is Beautiful is once again taking over the Essence Festival in New Orleans and they kicked off their campaign with an amazing…