ST JAMES, Jamaica— Reggae Sumfest’s Festival Night Two soared beyond expectations on Saturday night, underlined by a set of the highest international standards by American recording artiste Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds.

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.

“This is a journey through time,” Babyface announced, setting the stage for a medley of songs he wrote and produced for various artistes.

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 artistes 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 said.

“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,” she added.

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 artistes.