Babyface to Light Up Reggae Sumfest 2024

The superstar’s highly anticipated performance will mark the first time since 2015 that an international R&B act graces the Sumfest stage. The last such occasion featured the dynamic talents of singer Jennifer Hudson and rapper/actor Yazz The Greatest.This appearance will be Babyface’s first concert in Jamaica since 2010, when he performed at the United Way charity concert on November 11. That event, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre, saw him sharing the stage with Diana King and Nomaddz, thrilling an audience of over 2,000 patrons.

Joe Bogdanovich, the driving force behind Reggae Sumfest, emphasized the festival’s commitment to evolving with the entertainment industry’s dynamic nature. In a recent interview, Bogdanovich underscored that the festival aims to cater to the preferences of its audience rather than merely reviving past events. He revealed that Reggae Sumfest is reintegrating international acts into the show and hinted at more surprises for Friday night’s festival lineup.

About Babyface

Throughout his illustrious career, Babyface, whose real name is Kenneth Brian Edmonds, has crafted an impressive repertoire, authoring and producing 26 number-one R&B hits and earning 12 Grammy Awards.

Nicknamed “Babyface” by funk legend Bootsy Collins due to his youthful appearance, Edmonds began his musical journey as a guitarist with the group Manchild. His early breakthrough came as a songwriter with the composition of “Slow Jam” for the R&B band Midnight Star in 1983.

From the late 1980s to the early 90s, Babyface’s songwriting and production prowess propelled the careers of Bobby Brown, Karyn White, Pebbles, The Whispers, and many others. In 1989, he co-founded LaFace Records with L.A. Reid, a label that launched the careers of iconic artists like TLC, Usher, and Toni Braxton. Under his guidance, TLC’s “CrazySexyCool” became the best-selling album by an American girl group, with global sales surpassing 60 million albums. He also played a pivotal role in Toni Braxton’s early success.

Babyface’s extensive resume includes collaborations with some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Madonna, and Eric Clapton. His exceptional talent earned him three consecutive Grammy Awards for Producer of the Year from 1996 to 1998.

He has also lent his expertise to Ashanti, Lil Wayne, Monica, and Ariana Grande, and collaborated with Barbra Streisand and Foxes. Notably, he contributed to the song “Stronger Together,” performed by Jessica Sanchez at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

With a career marked by versatility and influence, Babyface has left an indelible mark on the music industry across various genres and artists. His personal hits, such as “Every Time I Close My Eyes,” “When Can I See You,” “Never Keep Secrets,” and “Nobody Knows It But Me,” continue to resonate with fans worldwide.