This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.