Solange Pays Homage to Bessie Smith, Shares Her Thoughts on Artists Speaking Out About Social Issue

Solange was the surprise guest at HBO’s Bessie 81 Theater Tour stop in Los Angeles last night. The singer even debuted a new song, written in response to protests in Baltimore and Ferguson. Speaking to ESSENCE earlier in the day, Solange said she felt a sense of responsibility as an artist to respond to what is happening socially. “I think it’s a responsibility, it’s a duty, and it should only feel natural,” she said. “Whether that is through your music, whether that’s through contributions, in any space that you can.