Crews 
ESSENCE is giving some very well-deserved flowers to a powerhouse group of Black women who have helped shape music, entertainment, business, and culture.
The beloved ESSENCE Black Women in Music celebration is officially returning during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, marking the event’s first return since 2018. This year’s private luncheon will honor Brandy, Missy Elliott, Kandi Burruss, Monica, and Mona Scott-Young for their undeniable contributions and lasting impact on the industry.
The event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and producer Anthony Anderson and will bring together artists, executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, and culture-shifters for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating Black women’s excellence.
For Brandy, the honor comes during a major ESSENCE Festival weekend where she is also set to hit the stage alongside Monica. As one of the most celebrated voices in R&B, Brandy’s influence spans decades, from her chart-topping music and vocal blueprint to her work in television, film, Broadway, and beyond.
Missy Elliott will also be celebrated for her groundbreaking career as a rapper, songwriter, producer, performer, and creative visionary. For more than 30 years, Missy has pushed music, visuals, fashion, and performance into the future, while inspiring generations of artists who came after her.
Kandi Burruss continues to stand as one of the industry’s most successful multi-hyphenates. From her work as a member of Xscape to becoming a Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, Broadway producer, television personality, and businesswoman, Kandi’s career is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention.
Also being honored is Mona Scott-Young, the entertainment executive, producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Monami Entertainment. With a career that includes helping guide the careers of major artists and creating the wildly successful Love & Hip Hop franchise, Mona has built a legacy that extends far beyond music into media, television, and business.
The return of ESSENCE Black Women in Music adds another major moment to an already packed ESSENCE Festival weekend, while continuing the brand’s longtime mission of celebrating the Black women who move culture forward.
The event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and producer Anthony Anderson and will bring together artists, executives, creatives, entrepreneurs, and culture-shifters for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating Black women’s excellence.
Congratulations to all the ladies!
Tyrese, Brandy, Missy, Monica, Kandi, Mona Scott and Anthony Anderson all in the same room at the Essence Fest. ✨ pic.twitter.com/AgKPDXIt1u
— BLH (@_RareDefined) July 5, 2026
#essence Luminary Spotlight Honoree Monica. Other Black Women in Music Honorees Missy Elliott, Mona, Brandy, Kandi and more pic.twitter.com/D4xX9sO7D1
— Monica_Access🕊️🕊️🕊️ (@monica_access) July 5, 2026
