Reggae Sumfest’s Festival Night Two on July 20, delivered a concert of the highest international standards. 

The anticipation was palpable, and as the crowd at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex awaited the night’s headliner, ear-shattering screams filled the air, signalling one thing: Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds was in the building. 

Returning to Jamaica for the first time in over a decade, the multi-Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, Babyface, enchanted the audience with his soulful tunes, effortlessly transporting them back to an era of music that tugs at the heartstrings. From the moment he sang the first note, it was clear the night belonged to him. The crowd, enveloped in a wave of nostalgia, sang along to his timeless hits, creating a chorus of memories and emotions. “This is a journey through time,” Babyface announced, setting the stage for a medley of songs he wrote and produced for various artists. 

When he performed ‘Everytime I Close My Eyes‘, a hit from his days with The Deele, the crowd’s ecstatic response was deafening. Hits like ‘Cool in You‘, ‘Never Keeping Secrets‘, and ‘Two Occasions‘ turned the audience into a mass choir, each person belting out every word, fully captivated by the 66-year-old legend’s flawless performance. 

Starting his career post-high school, Babyface masterfully navigated through decades of hits, including songs he penned for other iconic artists like Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Tevin Campbell, and Whitney Houston. Classics such as ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop)‘, Braxton’s ‘You’re Making Me High‘, Campbell’s ‘Can We Talk?‘, Boyz II Men’s ‘End of the Road‘, Johnny Gill’s ‘My My My‘, and Mary J. Blige’s ‘Not Gon’ Cry‘ had audience members clutching their chests and singing along, eyes closed, fully immersed in the moment. 

As Babyface expressed his gratitude for the warm Jamaican welcome, the thunderous applause he received was a testament to his extraordinary performance. He left no stone unturned, and the Catherine Hall crowd was more than satisfied. 

Maxine McCarthy, who travelled from the Bronx, New York, specifically to see Babyface, was ecstatic. “I am 56 years old, and Babyface is the reason I came to this festival. It was worth every penny,” she shared. “I grew up on his music, and when I heard he was coming to Jamaica, I immediately made plans. This performance was everything I hoped for and more.” 

First-time patron Ashley Carrington echoed this sentiment, saying, “After the disappointment of Jada Kingdom’s no-show on Friday, Babyface saved my festival experience. He was a big reason I came, and he exceeded all my expectations. Seeing couples holding each other tight as he sang love songs, I enjoyed the moment just as much.” 

Babyface’s performance marked a significant moment as he became the first international act to grace the Reggae Sumfest stage since 2015, following the festival’s hiatus from featuring overseas artists. 

Whether this signals a return to international bookings for future events remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Babyface left an indelible mark on Reggae Sumfest 2024.