“We won’t stay away this long again, Jamaica” were the parting words of legendary R&B trio Boyz II Men as they concluded over an hour of captivating tracks on the lawns of The University of the West Indies, Mona, early Sunday.
Just as the promoters had promised, the show ran on schedule, with the highly anticipated group hitting the stage at exactly 11:27 pm on Saturday.
All decked out in white, the trio — which comprises lead singer Shawn Stockman, as well as Wayna and Nathan Morris — reeled off classics to the thousands who had weathered the thunderstorms earlier in the day to be there.
Deafening screams ran across the space when fan favourites, like On Bended Knee, End Of The Road, and I’ll Make Love To You, were rendered.
Boyz II Men’s set also comprised covers of timeless classics including Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Jamming; Prince’s Purple Rain; Bruno Mars’ Locked Out Of Heaven, and New Edition’s Can You Stand The Rain.
Throughout the performance, some couples elected to slow dance, while a vast majority of the crowd sang along and captured photos and videos on their cellphones of the memorable set.
Among the highlights was the distribution of red roses to lucky female patrons who were close enough to the stage to grab one.
Lead singer Stockman expressed gratitude to his Jamaican fan base for their continued support over the years.
“We’re glad that we’re back together again. We’ve been coming to this country for about 30 years. This is where it all started with us actually, and it’s so amazing that you guys have embraced our music after all these years. So, once again, we thank you for spending your evening with us,” he said.
The trio invited Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange onstage to thank them for their hospitality in the country.
The support for the show was evident with the lengthy line of traffic hours before showtime that extended as far as Hope Road, leading up to Mona Road.
Patrons came prepared as many ditched their sandals for water boots and sneakers to combat the underfoot conditions after the afternoon downpour at the venue.
One female patron, who travelled all the way from Westmoreland, said that she would make the same decision all over again.
“It’s my first time seeing them live and they sound the same as on their track. This was money well spent,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
Earlier Saturday night, song birds Lila Iké and Tessanne Chin hit the stage to warm up the music lovers. Chin, in particular, confessed that Boyz II Men had inspired much of her career.
Boyz II Men first performed in Jamaica in 1991.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left) and Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange join Boyz II Men lead singer Shawn Stockman onstage at the concert, Saturday night, at The University of the West Indies, Mona. (Karl Mclarty)
Caught up in the magic of the performance, this patron is thrilled to have received a red rose. (Karl Mclarty)
Boyz II Men delivers a slew of hits. (Karl Mclarty)
As an added treat, members of Boyz II Men handed out roses to awestruck ladies during the hit number I’ll Make Love To You. (Karl Mclarty)
A section of the crowd which turned out for The UWI, Mona concert on Saturday. (Karl Mclarty)
Tessanne Chin commands the stage Saturday night. (Karl Mclarty)
