Celebrity Coverage
Essence Festival 2024 Performer Ari Lennox Is Just Getting Warmed Up – Essence
Erika Goldring/Getty Images
With recent performances in Las Vegas, sultry music videos for songs like “Get Close,” and timeless Instagram makeup looks, Ari Lennox reminds us that she’s just getting began.
In lower than per week, you possibly can hear the Grammy-nominated artist serenade the audience on the thirtieth anniversary Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.
But this isn’t her first rodeo. The R&B and soul artist made her stage debut in 2017. Then again at House of BET in 2019, after which her final, earth-shattering performance on the festival last yr. This time, nonetheless, Lennox has a number of tricks up her sleeve.
Below, Ari Lennox talks to ESSENCE about preparing for the festival, evolving his look, and the brand new album we’ve all been waiting for.
BEING: What are you most enthusiastic about acting at the thirtieth anniversary of Essence Festival?
Ari Lennox: What excites me probably the most is being around all these beautiful, colourful people and performing with legends that I like, the legendary band Roots, who I like very much.
What does self-care appear like for you on the day of an enormous show like Essence Fest?
ALUMINUM: Self-care on show day involves walking 10,000 steps, possibly watching a number of forensic documentaries, drinking some ginger tea, talking to family members, maintaining a healthy diet, possibly playing Sims 3, and warming up.
How do you think that your approach to music and wonder has modified through the years?
ALUMINUM: When it involves music, I’m far more serious when creating and far more open to assist. I’m very focused and open to my colleague Pierre, who’s my vocal producer. He helps me be certain that I sing appropriately and motivates me to perform and perform higher, which is exciting. I never realized how essential it’s to have vocal producers around when creating. When it involves beauty, I actually fell in love with makeup.
I like the beat face and want I could get it done more often. I actually still hate getting my hair done since it’s a really manipulative process and I’m all the time afraid of my delicate strands breaking. And I like all of the hair experts I’ve worked with because they were gentle with me. I wish I may very well be more relaxed of their chairs.
Who is your biggest musical and wonder inspiration without delay?
ALUMINUM: Currently I draw inspiration from Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, Deniece Williams, Beyoncé, Solange and Madonna.
Over the years, you’ve consistently released albums which were roughly 3 years apart. The last one was in 2022. That said, can we expect a brand new project from you in 2025?
ALUMINUM: Yes Honey, the album will likely be released in 2025. Expect beautiful songs soon. I’m so honest, responsible, self-aware and a complete mess with this music. I pour out my soul. I allow myself to experience and express all my emotions that I attempt to hide from the world. Courtney may have a baby.
I’m so comfortable to find a way to share latest experiences with the world and challenge the everyday topics my fans are used to hearing from me. I’m so grateful to the producers I’ve worked with, Bongo By the Way, Elite, Dave James, Ron Gilmore, Jermaine Dupri, Camper, Ant Clemons, Tommy Parker and lots of others. We’ve been in tight lockdown. I’ve never been so present, excited and serious a few body of labor. So stay tuned, cuties.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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