Anyone wanting to witness R&B superstar Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds’ debut performance at Reggae Sumfest 2024 will have to make their way to Montego Bay tomorrow night. There will be no recording of the Grammy-winning R&B superstar’s set according to a media directive sent out by the Reggae Sumfest organizers.
The statement set out to the media on Tuesday July 16 states that, “Photographers in the Press Pit are allowed to take photos with NO FLASH, of the FIRST THREE SONGS ONLY, in the Babyface Performance. After this all cameras (including phones) must be put away and out of sight. Failure to do this will be considered a breach of our arrangement and should you be found doing taking photos after this point, your pass will become invalid and be removed. NO Videography of the any of the performance is allowed.
Members of the media were required to sign an agreement prior to the event.
This marks Babyface’s first performance in Jamaica since his 2010 appearance at the United Way charity concert on November 11, where he performed alongside Diana King and Nomaddz at the National Indoor Sports Center.
Babyface’s extensive resume includes collaborations with Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Madonna, and Eric Clapton. He received three consecutive Grammy Awards for Producer of the Year from 1996 to 1998. His talent has also benefited artists like Ashanti, Lil Wayne, Monica, and Ariana Grande. His versatility is evident in collaborations with Barbra Streisand, Foxes, and his contribution to the song “Stronger Together,” performed by Jessica Sanchez at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Throughout his career, Babyface has showcased his prowess as a versatile and influential figure in the music industry, leaving a lasting impact across various genres and artists. Among his personal hits are “Everytime I Close My Eyes,” “When Can I See You,” “Never Keep Secrets,” and “Nobody Knows It But Me.”
The Live-stream of Night 1 of Reggae Sumfest 2024 is under way with performances by Capleton, Dexta Daps, Jada Kingdom, Aidonia and more.
What you missed so far is a performance by Sound Boy, who brought on his father to sing a song in tribute to his parents.
The festival started on Tuesday July 16 with the Sumfest All White at Pier 1 Pier 1, Montego Bay sponsored by Hennessy.
Sumfest Global Clash was held on Wednesday July 17 at Catherine Hall Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, as did Sumfest Rumfest Blitz a partnership with the Jamaica Rum Festival. That event was a night and day event with the daytime even hosted by media personality Debbie Bissoon.
The rains started at around 2:00 pm but Bissoon, who also hosted the launch events for Rumfest and Sumfest entertained the crowd with giveaways and rum mixing competitions. Later in the night comedian Dufton Shepherd shared hosting duties with Iotosh, Royal Blu, Joby Jay, Harry Toddler and the King Of The Dancehall Beenie Man performing a B-side set to cap off the night.
Beres Hammond is also set to grace the stage at Sumfest 2024 on July 20.
Watch Festival Night 1 below:
