Rihanna Essence

A working day on Independence Day for Rihanna who took the stage to perform at the Louisiana Superdome during the 2008 Essence Music Festival on Friday, July 4. The New Orleans festival, which ended Sunday, “celebrates black music and culture and moved to Houston in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina smashed New Orleans. It returned in 2007, and organizers say Essence is now re-establishing its place in the city.”

Celebrities like Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole also performed at the Essence Music Festival over the weekend rockin’ the stage, while Angie Stone, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Ruby Amanfu and Irma Thomas sang duets with LaBelle.