Welcome to Center Stage, a new column that dives into the wide world of performing arts at Tufts! From a cappella and music ensembles to student-run theater, comedy and dance groups, the campus arts scene is larger and more diverse than you might expect. Join me, Managing Editor Nate Hall, as I talk to members of campus performing arts groups to learn more about who they are, what they do and how they operate. First up: the Ladies of Essence.
Established in 1994, the Ladies of Essence describe themselves as Tufts’ only all-female a cappella group specializing in music of the African diaspora. Offstage, the Ladies are a tight-knit community of music lovers, and onstage, they will wow you with their renditions of R&B, soul, gospel and hip-hop songs. At the inaugural Riff-Off hosted by TUSC in November 2023, the Ladies triumphed over eight other campus a cappella groups. This past fall, for good measure, they won the competition again.
What makes the Ladies of Essence so special? According to senior Taisha Pierre, the group’s co-music director, its members are united by positivity and a shared love of performance.
“Of course we’re looking for musical talent and experience, but at the same time, we’re just looking for positive energy and someone who’s willing to incite conversation, put in their perspective and have fun making music,” Pierre said.
Pierre has been a member of the group since her first semester at Tufts, joining as a first-year in fall 2021. She had experience in her high school’s show choir, but had never tried a cappella before entering college. After some encouragement from a friend, she decided to take the leap and try out.
“I auditioned, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Pierre said.
Senior Krystal Mutebi, the group’s co-president, also joined as a first-year in 2021. Mutebi performed with her high school’s a cappella group, but she found something new in the Ladies of Essence. As one of at least 10 a cappella groups currently performing at Tufts, the Ladies of Essence are part of a large community on campus. They often perform alongside other ensembles, including their “brother group,” S-Factor.
During each summer and winter break, the Ladies select their songs for the coming semester. Anyone can propose a song, and any member can take on the work of arranging each song that gets selected. Every semester’s performance has a theme: Last semester’s theme was “Girlz II Men,” in which the group performed a selection of songs by male artists. The group’s members take their performances seriously and always strive to deliver their best work onstage.
“Because we have such a strong fan base, we really try to think very thoroughly, and we take a lot of time to make sure we are presented exactly how we practice … so that people will always enjoy what they see us do,” Pierre said. “We’re very grateful, and we love our fans so much.”
Like many student-run clubs at Tufts, the Ladies of Essence has an executive board, but their decision-making process is uniquely collaborative. The group’s members support each other inside and outside of rehearsals, making sure that everybody is doing well with academics as they balance their commitments to the group with their busy schedules. For Mutebi, the Ladies of Essence is more than just a club –– it’s a community.
“It’s really a sisterhood, honestly. The group in itself, of course, is dedicated to African tradition and African music, and the majority of our members are Black women,” Mutebi said. “Especially attending a [largely white institution], it’s honestly a safe haven … and I don’t feel like I have to be anything when I’m there.”
As the group continues to broaden its sound, bring in new members and prepare for the future, Mutebi and Pierre are also preparing to say goodbye to the Ladies of Essence at the end of the semester. Mutebi reflected on her four years in the group, explaining how the experience has allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and gain new confidence in her musical abilities.
“I feel like I’ve learned so much and become, honestly, a better musical artist. I feel like I’ve done things I never really thought I would,” Mutebi said. “That has really showed me … to not limit myself, because as people, we’re limitless.”
Members of the Ladies of Essence are pictured.
Members of the Ladies of Essence are pictured.
