V.Bozeman, Jazmine Sullivan And Zendaya Shine At Essence Black Women In Music
Give it up for the ladies.
It’s a good time to be a woman. It’s a good time to be a black woman. Not only did Beyoncé make that clear with her beautifully orchestrated and executed “Formation” video and song, but Essence continues to do the same.
The 7th Annual Essence Black Women In Music event took place Thursday night (February 11) in Los Angeles, celebrating the accomplishments of both iconic and up-and-coming musicians. This year’s show featured Grammy nominees Andra Day and Jazmine Sullivan, who both spoke to REVOLT about how it feels to potentially have a Grammy on their mantle, come Monday.
Sullivan is up for two Grammys: Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Album. The “Let It Burn” singer explained: “I was happy and honored and when I saw the other nominees. I’m really honored, especially D’Angelo…I’ve been waiting for him to comeback. If I win I will just cry!”
Many of her career-long fans believe she is underrated and now is her time. In response to her fans she told REVOLT, “I hope it is my time. I just have to stay positive and keep putting out good music.”
Andra Day is up for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance with “Rise Up.” She shared with us that, “Even hearing possibly getting a Grammy…I get goosebumps. It’s been so long! I’ve been doing this for 13-14 years. I’m grateful to everyone who stuck with me through this process. I’m still in shock, honestly.”
Singer and Songwriter Kendra Foster is an intricate part of D’Angelo and The Vanguard. She explained on the red carpet that it was a lifelong dream to work with greats like D’Angelo and she’s honored to be in the running for a 2016 Grammy.
“I felt pride and victory to know that music with such a strong message and substance is nominated,” She explained. “In a musical climate like this and a time like this so much needs to be said.”
You may not have known Kendra’s name before, but you will know it soon enough. She is working on her debut album now.
Check out the video below for the full red carpet recap.