The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The beginning of Burna Boyโs Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasnโt Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. โAs long as I live, I will never forget tonight,โ she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Marsโs Locked Out of Heaven.
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, Iโll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
Rashid Al-Mansoori is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering innovations and digital transformations in the Middle East.
