🔗 Share this article

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.