R&B singers nationwide flocked to Baltimore this weekend to perform at the 2014 African American Festival.
Hosted by the City of Baltimore and greiBO, the two-day event brought out singers such as Brandy, Mint Condition, Monifah and Jacob Latimore to share their vocal talents.
On the first day (Sat., June 21), newer acts such as Jacob Latimore, Aaron Fresh, and Brave Williams made their first impression on audience members who may not be familiar with their music.
Meanwhile, R&B veterans Monifah, Chico Debarge, and headlining act Mint Condition proved why they are still in the game years after making their debut.
The second day (Sun, June 22) brought out talented R&B artists Mario, Johnny Gill and Brandy. All three artists did their thing on stage in front of the thousands of people in the audience.
Check out photos from performances below.
Emerging artist Aaron Fresh hit the stage to perform a few of his songs.
After gracing the stage, Aaron Fresh poses for Rated RnB in the Festival Live tent.
Jacob Latimore had the young ladies in the crowd going when he hit the stage. He performed some of his older material, such as “Like Em All,” “You Come First,” and “This or That,” among others. He also performed his new single “Heartbreak Heard Around the World.”
Jacob Latimore looks into the crowd as they scream from the top of their lungs — literally!
R&B veteran Chico DeBarge graced the stage to perform some of his classic hits.
Former RichGirl member Brave Williams made a short appearance at the Festival. She performed her new single “Ooh (Luv Ya).”
“R&B Divas: Atlanta” star Monifah did her thing on stage. She performed some of her older material, including her hit single “Touch It.” She also covered Prince’s classic song “Purple Rain.” She even gave the audience a taste of her new music, including a song called “F.O.H.,” which the audience loved.
Headlining act Mint Condition took the audience on a trip to memory lane as they performed their hits.
Baltimore native Mario performed some of his hits, including “Just A Friend,” “Let Me Love You,” and “Break Up.” He also brought out some youth from his Do Right Foundation to the stage as he performed his 2007 “Do Right.”
It got a little hot, so Mario took off his shirt which had the audience roaring.
R&B veteran Johnny Gill brought some energy to the stage as he performed songs from his catalog. Yes, he wore a three-piece suit.
Gill was very interactive with the crowd. He jumped in the audience not one time but two times.
Headlining act Brandy reminded us all why we love her. The 35-year-old singer performed many of her hits including “What About Us,” “Top of the World,” “Full Moon,” “Sittin’ Up in My Room,” “Best Friend,” “Baby,” “I Wanna Be Down,” “Almost Doesn’t Count,” “Have You Ever,” “Angel in Disguise,” and “Boy Is Mine.” She also covered Whitney Houston’s classic songs “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” In addition, the Vocal Bible performed material off her “Two Eleven” album, including “Do You Know What You Have” — which she said should have been a single — “Wildest Dreams” and “Put It Down.”
Random:
Raheem Devaughn made an appearance at the Festival. In the Pepsi Pavilion, he hosted a game show-style workshop on resume do’s and don’ts.
Traci Braxton showed up dressed in all black. She told the audience that she is dropping a single very soon!
(Photo credit: Keithan Samuels / Rated RnB)
