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Home • Celebrity

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years

ESSENCE's annual Black Women in Music event highlights the immense contributions of Black women in music. This year's event, taking place on February 6, will honor music's "It" girls Solange Knowles and Lianne La Havas and will be hosted by 2012 honoree Kelly Rowland. Here's a look back at our favorite moments over the years.
By Yolanda Sangweni · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Black Women in Music

Kelly Rowland was honored at the 3rd annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music event in Los Angeles. The event saluted the Grammy-nominated singer, as well as music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone in Febraury.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup
02
Black Women In Music

Ledisi attends the 2012 ESSENCE Black Women in Music event honoring Kelly Rowland and Sylvia Rhone.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
03
Black Women In Music

Eve attends the 2012 ESSENCE Black Women in Music event honoring Kelly Rowland and Sylvia Rhone.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
04
Black Women In Music

Kelly Rowland performs at the 3rd annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music event in 2012.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Phil McCarten/PictureGroup
05
Black Women In Music

ESSENCE 2012 Black Women in Music honorees Kelly Rowland and Sylvia Rhone show off their awards.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup
06
Black Women In Music

ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks, M.C. Lyte, Kelly Rowland, ESSENCE Editor-In-Chief Constance White, Sylvia Rhone and Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music reception.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
A.Turner Archives/PictureGroup
07
Black Women In Music

Diddy and Big Boi hosted ESSENCE’s 2nd annual Black Women in Music event honoring Janelle Monae.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Jennifer Cooper
08
Black Women In Music

ESSENCE 2011 Black Women in Music honoree Janelle Monae sings her heart at the event in Los Angeles, California.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
09
Black Women In Music

Melanie Fiona, Toccara Jones and Estelle attended ESSENCE’s 2011 Black Women in Music event honoring Janelle Monae.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
10
Black Women in Music

Eva Marceille attends the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music event in Los Angeles.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
11
Black Women In Music

Flawless! Janelle Monae looked simply stunning on the black carpet of the second annual ESSENCE “Black Women in Music” event in 2011.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Jennifer Cooper
12
Black Women In Music

Bruno Mars and Melanie Fiona let the good times roll at the 2011 ESSENCE Black Women in Music honoring Janelle Monae.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Jennifer Cooper
13
Black Women In Music

Anthony Hamilton and Kelly Price attended the 2011 ESSENCE Black Women in Music event honoring Janelle Monae.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Jennifer Cooper
14
Black Women In Music

Letoya Luckett attended the 2011 ESSENCE Black Women in Music event honoring Janelle Moane.

ESSENCE's Black Women in Music Event Through the Years
Jennifer Cooper