Black women have always been the soundtrack to our lives. Their voices, creativity, and innovation have shaped generations, pushed music forward, and influenced culture in ways that reach far beyond the stage. That’s what made Inside ESSENCE Black Women in Music such a special part of the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture—a celebration of the artists whose work continues to inspire, evolve, and leave an undeniable mark on the industry.
The afternoon arrived on the heels of an unforgettable night inside the Caesars Superdome, where Brandy and Monica reunited for a crowd-favorite performance that reminded everyone why The Boy Is Mine remains one of R&B’s most iconic collaborations. Less than 24 hours later, Monica returned to the ESSENCE stage to accept her honor in a moment made even more poignant following the recent passing of her father. Fellow artists, friends, and fans celebrated not only her extraordinary career, but the strength and grace she’s continued to show through it all.
Missy Elliott was also recognized for a career defined by fearless creativity and game-changing innovation. Her honor came during a weekend that also saw her curate ESSENCE’s Sunday night tribute to Aaliyah, commemorating the 30th anniversary of One in a Million and celebrating the timeless impact of one of music’s most beloved voices.
With appearances from Tamar Braxton, Dawn Richard, Teedra Moses, LeToya Luckett, Tisha Campbell, and other special guests, the afternoon felt like a family reunion—one filled with laughter, heartfelt tributes, unforgettable performances, and the kind of joy that can only happen when Black women come together to celebrate one another.
Take a look inside some of our favorite moments from Inside ESSENCE Black Women in Music.
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A view of atmosphere during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Inside ESSENCE Black Women in Music brought together artists, executives, and cultural leaders for an afternoon celebrating the impact, innovation, and enduring legacy of Black women across the music industry during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Brandy (L) and Kandi Burruss attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Monica is honored at the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Mona Scott-Young attends the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Kandi Burruss is honored at the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Missy Elliott is honored at the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by TREBREH BAAHETH)
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Anthony Anderson (L) is interviewed by Amanda Booz during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Teyana Taylor speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Kandi Burruss accepts the Trail Blazer Award onstage from Sherri Shepherd during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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(L-R) Monica, Da’Vinchi, and Kandi Burruss attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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ESSENCE Chief Community Officer, Barkue Tubman Zawolo speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Sherri Shepherd speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Monica speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Brandy accepts the Legend Award onstage from Tyrese Gibson during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Mona Scott-Young accepts the Visionary Award during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Tyrese Gibson speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Kandi Burruss, Mona Scott-Young, Brandy, and Sherri Shepherd attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Richelieu Dennis speaks during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Tisha Campbell, Kandi Burruss, and LeToya Luckett attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 05: (L-R) Teedra Moses, Kandi Burruss , and Dawn Richard attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Teyana Taylor speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Tamar Braxton, Tyrese Gibson, and Rahquel Purcell attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Brandy speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Mona Scott-Young speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Brandy accepts the Legend Award onstage from Tyrese Gibson during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Anthony Anderson attends the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Tamar Braxton attends the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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LeToya Luckett (L) and Kandi Burruss attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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A view of atmosphere onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Kandi Burruss speaks onstage during the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Richelieu Dennis (L) and Sherri Shepherd attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Missy Elliott speaks at the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by TREBREH BAAHETH)
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Tyrese Gibson (L) and Tamar Braxton (2nd L) attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
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Sherri Shepherd (L) and Anthony Anderson attend the ESSENCE Black Women In Music Luncheon on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images for ESSENCE)