At ESSENCE, we’re all about celebrating individual beauty, and that’s exactly what comes to mind with the three women gracing the cover of our May issue: Erykah Badu, Ledisi and Solange. Each of these artists have captivated audiences not only with their songs, but also with their style and beauty. And for each of them, it’s always about self-expression.
“Although I’m known for my long, colorful locs, I still don’t take my hair too seriously,” says Ledisi, who is loving life with a new album and a new love. “I experiment a lot, dyeing it and constantly switching styles to grab attention. My hair is one of my best accessories and changing it helps express who I am.”
WATCH: Watch Ledisi’s Behind the Cover Video
One could never say that Solange has fit neatly into any mold and that’s by design. “We all have the option of how we want to express ourselves through our life, hair, style or whatever we decide. We shouldn’t be pigeonholed into any one category,” she says.
WATCH: Watch Solange’s Behind the Cover Video
“I view my hair and clothes as functional art,” says the always funky-cool Erykah Badu, who is also the new face of Givenchy. “I’m my own stylist and I love it, but I am not trying to make a statement.”
WATCH: Watch Erykah Badu’s Behind the Cover Video
To find out more about why Ledisi feels like a new person, where Solange’s rock-solid confidence comes from, and how Erykah’s style story evolved for her, pick up the May 2014 issue of ESSENCE, available today.