2020efvirtual: Last News

Madea’s Farewell Play, premiering exclusively on BET+ August 27, they delivered just that. With a strong push from Tyler Perry, Franklin noted, Tamela, who has appeared in several of Perry’s other plays and her own TV show, The Browns (with David), is now an actress, a role she once feared. Because she conquered that fear to be successful doing what she once could never even imagine, Franklin wanted to know how Tamela got out of her own way, as well as have her offer words of wisdom to others still wearing her old shoes. “It’s kind of like having faith over fear; it’s like you just have to do it,” she urged.

Bri Babineaux “Performs My Rock,” “Baptize Us,” and “King of My Heart” at the Essence Festival of Culture

We may be in 2020, but there’s something about 90s music that just hits different. Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe, better known as BBD, hit the digital concert stage for week two of the ESSENCE Festival Of Culture Evening Concert Series and we’re still pumping our fists in the air remembering their exuberant performance.

ESSENCE’s Dear Black Men panel alongside Bevel founder, Tristan Walker, where he discussed the important of body hair grooming.

Hamilton first debuted on Broadway, it has been the hottest ticket in town – racking up award after award for it’s critically-lauded music, lyrics and storytelling. The hit hip-hop musical opened its door to sold out audiences in 2015 and five years later, the cast of Hamilton, which details the life of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton, still remembers one specific day as their all-time favorite.Renée Elise Goldsberry, who plays Hamilton’s sister-in-law, gushed over the time she performed in front of Michelle Obama.“You just reminded us of one of the most special ever, which is the opportunity to perform for our President,” she candidly shared with ESSENCE Entertainment Director Cori Murray with a beaming smile.

Madea’s Farewell Play Tour, David Mann, who portrays Madea’s ex Mr. Brown, and Tamela Mann, who portrays her daughter Cora Simmons in the Madea universe; the real-life couple has some strong thoughts about saving Madea.

Part 1 and 2 of Plant-Based Cooking 101 with Chef Ingrid S Clay

Jeanette Jenkins shows everyone useful things to help workout your abs.

Simone Bresi-Ando gives a reading for the month of July from the ancestors.

Jocelyn Gordon teaches how to calmly breathe.

Festival of Culture on Sunday afternoon. The annual Get Lifted Gospel Sunday Celebration featured inspirational words and performances by The Walls Group, Anita Wilson, Fred Hammond, Erica Campbell and The Clark Sisters.

ESSENCE Festival’s Evening Concert Series kicked off Saturday night and provided a much-needed dose of nostalgia, served with music and your choice of wine. Given the current state of the nation amid civil unrest and a relentless pandemic, it was the virtual girl’s trip we so desperately needed.Wyclef Jean, Raphael Saadiq and India.Arie took us on a melodic escape as they performed their classics during Saturday night’s epic concert that benefited and celebrated essential workers, Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.Jean opened his set with a radical guitar solo while a kick snare played in the background.

Queen Latifah is ensuring that women onscreen get the respect they deserve. And the Oscar-nominated actress said the best way to do that is to put women behind the lens.It’s why she’s partnered with Procter & Gamble and Tribeca Studios for the second installment of the Queen Collective, which aims to mentor and support female directors of color, bringing their stories to life.