• Celebrity
    • Of The Essence
    • Celebrity News
    • If Not For My Girls
    • The State Of R&B
    • Time Of Essence
  • Fashion
    • 2023 Best In Black Fashion Awards
    • 2023 Fashion House
    • Red Carpet
    • Fashion News
    • Accessories
  • Beauty
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
    • 2023 Best In Black Beauty
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Hair
  • Lifestyle
    • Love
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Bridal Bliss
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
  • Entrepreneurship
    • Money & Career
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
    • 2023 Fashion House
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2023 Wellness House
    • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
  • Studios
  • Girls United

WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for ESSENCE Newsletters the keep the Black women at the forefront of conversation.

Your email is required.
Your email is in invalid format.
Confirm email is required.
Email did not match.
Select the newsletters you'd like to receive:
Please select at least one option.
By clicking Subscribe Now, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Skip to content
SUBSCRIBE
  • MAGAZINE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Celebrity
    • Of The Essence
    • Celebrity News
    • If Not For My Girls
    • The State Of R&B
    • Time Of Essence
  • Fashion
    • 2023 Best In Black Fashion Awards
    • 2023 Fashion House
    • Red Carpet
    • Fashion News
    • Accessories
  • Beauty
    • Girls United: Beautiful Possibilities
    • 2023 Best In Black Beauty
    • Skin
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Hair
      • Hair News
      • Natural
      • Relaxed
      • Transitioning
      • Weave
      • 4C
  • Lifestyle
    • Love
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Bridal Bliss
    • Lifestyle News
    • Health & Wellness
    • ESSENCE Eats
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
  • Entrepreneurship
    • Money & Career
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Paint The Polls Black
    • Culture
    • Politics
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
    • 2023 Fashion House
    • 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
    • 2023 Wellness House
    • 2023 Black Women In Hollywood
    • 2023 ESSENCE Film Festival
    • 2023 HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
  • Studios
  • Girls United
Home · Celebrity

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year's Star-Studded #EssenceFest

Take a candid look at all the fun celebs had at last year's festivities. From the VIP room to backstage at the Superdome, here's how a star experiences the ESSENCE Festival.
By Sylvia Obell and Jolie A. Dogget · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Trey Songz

Wefie in the New Orleans streets. #essencefest #TRIGGA

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
02
Terrence J and Tika Sumpter

@iamterrencej and I being crazy backstage @ #365blackawards ! Soooo fun!! #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
03
Mary J. Blige

Great show tonight. thank you #nola. The crowd was amazing. So long for the night. @kenduisaacs #MyDad @nikkiskysavvy @donpoohmusic @jahajohnson @nicolii_sc @mrsmayrod Teterboro here we come. #HomesweetHome. #essencefestival

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
04
Elle Varner

@saintrecords #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
05
Erykah Badu

About last night! @erykahbadu

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
06
Luke James

New Orleans native Luke James took some time out from #essencefest to visit family. He posted: my god daughter London | credit : @hairbylp #neworleans

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
07
Common

@Covergirl day party at the House of Blues with @common on the mic #essencefest #easybreezystyle #instafashion #instastyle #ad #fashion #Fashionbombdaily #style Image: @visualsbypierre

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
08
Leela James and SWV

“I’ve always loved SWV @cokoclemons @tajgeorge @therealleleswv,” posted Leela James.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
09
Letoya Luckett and Monica Brown

“So excited to spend some time with one of my favorite people tonight in New Orleans!! U would have sworn we hadn’t seen each other in years with that hug! Lol!!! Love u Mo! @monicabrown #Essenceweekend #friends #NOLA,” posted LeToya Luckett.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
10
Vanessa K. Bush and Roland Martin

“No, @essencemag top editor @Vanessa_KBush and I did not coordinate the lime green, but we’re looking good at @essencefest! #EssenceFest,” posted Roland Martin.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
11
Elle Varner

Was at rehearsal earlier today praying for/claiming the day I sell out the Superdome #workhard #prayhard 

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
12
Yolanda Adams and Ledisi

“The greatest inside and out Yolanda Adams,” posted Ledisi.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
13
Jazmine Sullivan and K.Michelle

“Backstage in my dressing room chilling with one of my favs @jsullivanmusic AMAZING artist,” posted K.Michelle.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
14
KeKe Wyatt

“Ready #gulfport #essencefest #teamke,” posted the R&B Divas star.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
15
Tamar Braxton and Toya Wright

My girl @toyawright talking me into this being a dress… Needless to say 4 bags of clothes later… I got my life!! #NOLA make sure you hit up @Garbboutique on magazine street!! 

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
16
Jesse Boykins III

“So much light on this stage at #essencefest , the super dome is huge #neworleans…got a chance to meet the sound & video production team to talk down my set & feel out the stage… #LoveApparatus,” posted Boykins.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
17
Trina and Towanda Braxton

“The Braxton Family Values stopped by #TheBigMMikeShow #TheBlazeFM #EssenceFest,” posted Big Mike.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
18
Nicole Murphy

Don’t forget to come see me tomorrow at the Walmart stage at 10:45 am #essencefestival #walmart #nicolemurphy

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
19
Steve Harvey and TD Jakes

“Met up with @iamsteveharvey and @musicbykem #essencefest!,” posted Bishop TD Jakes.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
20
Bevy Smith, Emil Wilbekin, and Derek J.

“@debralangford @emilwilbekin @derekjhair and now @essencefest begins, good times, good people,” posted Bevy Smith.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
21
Soledad O’Brien, Cynthia Bailey, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and more

This great assortment of black girl power got together to discuss the beauty of confidence.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
22
Angela Simmons

“All in a days of work! Love @jojosayz best assistant,” posted Angela Simmons.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
23
Nas

“Essence Fest! #IllmaticXX,” posted the “Now Playing” headliner.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
24
Jazmine Sullivan and Trey Songz

“Trey luh me,” posted Jazmine Sullivan. 

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
25
Lance Gross

Me @iamterrencej & @treysongz turnt @ #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
26
Solange

R&B singer Elle Varner attended the Pop of Color day party and captured this photo of Solange DJ’ing with the caption, “@saintrecords killin the set!!”

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
27
Cynthia Bailey and Tomiko Fraser

“Me & my girl beautiful @goddesstomiko #essencefest #walmart,” posted the Real Housewives of Atlanta star.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
28
Tina Campbell

Tina got #HELP backstage at #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
29
Estelle and Chef Roble

“With these lovelies. #nola @damarislewis @estelledarlings,” psted Chef Roble.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
30
Erica and Warryn Campbell

“Me & Him. #vzwessencefest @warryncampbell #4thofJuly #essencefestival,” posted Erica Campbell.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
31
Yolanda Sangweni

My darling #britishbae, @liannelahavas. #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
32
Peter Thomas and Robin Roberts

I love this woman, next to my wife the classiest woman I know,Robin is the best. #abc @cynthiabailey10

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
33
Ledisi

What an awesome day!Happy 4th of July everyone! See ya tomorrow at Essence Music Festival ! #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
34
Michelle Williams

Happy 4th! #essencefest #selfie #neworleans beat by @deedee_kelly hair by @chrisgees

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
35
Estelle and Sevyn Streeter

Essence later grams… with @sevyn

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
Instagram
36
Vanessa Williams

How cute is my baby sis @malinsworld ? Sooooo!!! #essencefest #sisters4Life #empowered @blackaids

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
37
Lance Gross

.@uber_la on the way to the Airport. Headed to New Orleans for #essencefest Much to Smile about #lifeisgreat #blessed

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
38
Cynthia Bailey

Got a chance to catch up with the always hilarious & super supportive @iamsteveharveytv #essencefest2014

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
39
Chenoa Maxwell

Thank you @essencefest @essence @owntv making this girls July 4th a priceless one. Honored. #livinglimitlessly

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
40
Angela Simmons

Fresh off the stage !!! I would do Center Stage @ #EssenceFest w/ @marriottintl all over again! That was incredible! Did you like the hotel collection?

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
41
Roland Martin

A whole lot of sexiness at @essencefest with @naturinaughton and the leggy @NikkiBeharie. I’m all smiles, baby! #EssenceFest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
42
Naturi Naughton

#essencefestival me and my girls @nikkibeharie and @iamwendyraquel

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
43
James Fortune and Iyanla Vanzant

I love her! #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
44
Robert C. Riley

Sending much love to all the fans I’ve met so far at #EssenceFestival #theloveisreal and I appreciate every one of you. If you see me don’t hesitate to say hey or get that selfie! #HittheFloor #terrencewall #vh1 #robrileynyc

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
45
@michaelrowephoto

@chrisettemichelle strikes a pose backstage at the 2014 #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
46
@michaelrowephoto

Nichole Beharie (@nikkibeharie) and Naturi Naughton (@naturi4real) at the McDonalds 365Black Awards at #EssenceFest.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
47
Aja Brown

Excited to take the Essence Empowerment stage to discuss “Our Cities Our Solutions” #EssenceFest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
48
“Shameless” Maya Washington

With the amazing @Soledadobrien who’s also on the panel with us! Argh!!!! See you soon!

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
49
Michael B. Jordan

#essence #nola

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
50
Malinda Williams

French Quarter love…#essencefest #selfie

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
51
Mali Music

And this is the infamous Essence Selfie. #Essenceselfie

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
52
Ludacris

Malinda Williams hasn’t aged a day in 20 years!  ! #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
53
Kiyah Wright and Chenoa Maxwell

#nola #prince concert !!

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
54
Ledisi and Mali Music

Great seeing @malimusic this morning.

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
55
Lance Gross

Me & @ellevarner

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
56
Joy Reid

Just ran into Bishop TD Jakes at #EssenceFest!

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
57
Erica Campbell

Me & KEM! #ESSENCEFest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
58
Erica Campbell and Tank

Me & this vocal beast @therealtank! #ESSENCEFest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
59
Steve Harvey

Behind the Main Stage #EssenceFest w/ interviews & @IamWendyRaquel @essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
60
Chrisette Michele

Hey pretty people. Just saying hello from backstage at the ESSENCE FEST Walmart stage. #ucomin? Wassup N.O. xoxo!!!

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
61
Chenoa Maxwell and Bishop TD Jakes

My day was made when I ran into @BishopJakes & he blessed me with a big ole hug. Love me some him! #picoftheday #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
62
Chante Moore

2HOTT THANGS @ the Prince concert @Essence Fest 2014!! 

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
63
Kim Burrell

I forgot to post this one from yesterday… Love @ledisi so much!! #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
64
Demetria Lucas

Homies. @lancegross + @iamalesharenee #essencefest #viplounge #superdome #nola #summerofom

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
65
Robert C. Riley

At the #365awards here at #EssenceFest2014 where giving back is what it’s all about. #change

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
66
Roland Martin

Can y’all guess what me and @yolandalive are discussing? LOL @essencefest #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
67
Traci Braxton

Me nd my beat sister @itowandabraxton with my boo @jawnmurray #EssenceFest #TraciBraxton #BFV #TowandaBraxton #NewOrleans #TraBirds @Gain @gainlaundry

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
68
Lil’ Mo

@thedynamoshow and @marshaAmbrosius backstage at #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
69
Marsha Ambrosius

Thanks Verizon @jmcdeezie #EssenceFest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
70
Ludacris

Amazing Stories Panel. Hope we inspired y’all New Orleans! #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
71
Sanaa Lathan

@tyrese is the luckiest man in New Orleans. @tarajiphenson #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
72
Lianne La Havas

Prince and Eye #essencefest #sometimesitsnowsinapril #essencefest YOLO #nawlins

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
73
James Fortune

Me and @therealtank hanging out backstage at the Verizon Booth! #vzwessencefest #essencefest

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
74
LeToya Luckett

I was tryna get a Lil selfie in b4 I went on the main stage to represent #McDonalds at #essencefest2014 & clearly I wasn’t alone @tarajiphenson @everlylee

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
75
Kierra Sheard

#365BlackAwards at the #essencefestival #nervous #excited #thankful

Our Fave Instagram Pics from Last Year’s Star-Studded #EssenceFest
TOPICS:  Instagram
COMPANY INFORMATION
  • Our Company
  • Customer Service
  • Essence Ventures
  • Change Your Address
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities
  • Internships
  • Media Kit
  • tag
SUBSCRIBE
  • Newsletters
  • Give a Gift of ESSENCE
  • Magazine Tablet Edition
FOLLOW US
MORE ON ESSENCE
  • Home
  • Love
  • Celebrity
  • Beauty
  • Hair
  • Fashion
  • ESSENCE festival

ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

©2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms

Get The ESSENCE Newsletter and
Special Offers delivered to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Get The ESSENCE Magazine
by subscribing below
subscribe now