Essence to Honor Solange Knowles, Lianne La Havas During Grammy Week

Rising singer/songwriters Lianne La Havas and Solange Knowles will be this year's honorees at Essence Black Women in Music. The fourth annual, invitation-only Grammy Week event will take place on Feb. 6 in Los Angeles with Grammy Award winner Kelly Rowland and Essence editor-at large Emil Wilbekin as hosts.

London-based La Havas, whose influences range from jazz icon Charlie Bird to Erykah Badu, is currently garnering critical acclaim for her 2012 Nonesuch debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough?. A popular DJ as well as a singer, Knowles recently released the EP True featuring the single "Losing You." She also released two previous albums: Solo Star (2003) and Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008). Both honorees will each perform live sets during the celebration.

In announcing the 2013 honorees, Essence editor-in-chief Constance C.R. White stated, "Essence Black Women in Music highlights the success of amazing African-American women in music who are not only changing the game but also creating the rules. Lianne La Havas and Solange Knowles are each making their own inimitable mark on the industry and around the world."

Essence Black Women in Music was launched in 2010 to celebrate the accomplishments of influential emerging and established artists and industry executives. Last year's event at L.A.'s Belasco Theater saluted pioneering label executive Sylvia Rhone and Rowland. Previous honorees also include Janelle Monae and Mary J. Blige.

Additional details about 2013 Essence Black Women in Music, including venue, will be announced shortly.