On a night that celebrated Black excellence and cultural milestones, Durand Bernarr and Coco Jones delivered standout performances at the EBONY Power 100 Gala, setting the tone for an evening of inspiration and entertainment. Both artists, recently nominated for Grammys at the upcoming 2025 ceremony in February, showcased why they’re leading voices in today’s music scene.
Durand Bernarr opened the gala with a vibrant three-song set that immediately energized the room. Bouncing around the stage with palpable enthusiasm, he warmed up the crowd for what promised to be a memorable night. His rendition of the fan-favorite single “GPS” had attendees on their feet, especially when he seamlessly transitioned into an outro sampling Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever.” The unexpected twist drew cheers and sing-alongs, highlighting Bernarr’s flair for blending genres and engaging the audience.
This year has been a landmark for Bernarr. He delivered a standout set during Kaytranada’s headline show at All Points East, underscoring his reputation as a live-show master. The two also collaborated on Kaytranada’s album Timeless for the track “Weird,” where Bernarr’s effortless vocals shine. He also brought his infectious humor to the 2024 BET Awards, honoring Usher in a comedic tribute with Jermaine Dupri, adding his own joyful twist to the evening.
Midway through the event, Coco Jones graced the stage, serving double duty as both performer and honoree. Exuding grace and confidence, she took a moment to reflect on her journey. “It takes a lot of tenacity to get here,” she shared in a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that led to this moment. Recognizing the significance of the evening, she added, “I heard someone celebrating a big birthday soon—EBONY turns 80.”
Opening with her Grammy-nominated hit “Here We Go,” Jones captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and emotive delivery. She closed her set with a soulful performance of “ICU,” leaving a lasting impression and affirming her place among music’s rising stars.
The Grammy Award-winning artist took home the 2024 award for Best R&B Performance earlier this year with her breakthrough single “ICU,” which also earned her first RIAA Platinum certification, displaying her undeniable vocal talent. While her music captivates new audiences, Jones’ acting career is equally flourishing with the third season of Peacock’s hit show Bel-Air, where her performance continues to shine. A Disney alum, she recently lent her voice to a modern rendition of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog for World Princess Day. With the release of two new singles, “Here We Go” and “Sweep It Up,” from her highly anticipated debut album, Jones’ star power shows no signs of slowing down.
The gala not only honored the achievements of influential figures but also served as a platform for artists like Bernarr and Jones to shine. Their performances underscored the richness of Black music and the exciting directions in which it’s headed.
