Babyface Headlines Star-Studded R&B Celebration at Majic 102.1 Under the Stars in Houston

Some artists create hit records, while others help define the sound of an entire generation. That distinction was evident Saturday, October 24, when 12-time Grammy Award winner Babyface headlined Majic 102.1 Under the Stars at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, delivering an evening that celebrated the enduring influence of R&B.

Presented by Majic 102.1 Radio and Live Nation, the concert brought together an accomplished lineup of artists whose music spans different eras and styles.

Alongside Babyface, the audience experienced performances by Keyshia Cole, Houston's own Tanya Nolan, MAJOR. and Jevon Dewand, with a surprise appearance by acclaimed producer and artist Jazze Pha adding an unexpected highlight to the night.

From timeless love songs to contemporary R&B favorites, the event demonstrated how the genre continues to connect audiences through music, memories and live performance.

Babyface Reminds Houston Why Great Songs Never Fade

Few songwriters and producers have influenced modern R&B as extensively as Babyface. Beyond his success as a recording artist, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has helped create some of the most recognizable songs in contemporary music, working with artists including Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Tevin Campbell, Madonna, Beyoncé and SZA.

His performance at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion offered a reminder of the remarkable longevity of his catalog.

Songs such as “Whip Appeal” reflected the smooth vocals and romantic sensibility that have become synonymous with his artistry.

The evening took a particularly heartfelt turn when Babyface performed “A Song for Mama,” the beloved ballad featured in the 1997 film Soul Food. Photographs of mothers and influential women appeared on the large LCD screen, including images of his own mother, actress Irma P. Hall, and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The visual tribute reinforced the song's message of appreciation for the women whose love, sacrifice and guidance shape our lives.

Paired with Babyface's emotional delivery, the moment offered a powerful reminder of music's ability to bring personal memories and shared experiences together.

His extensive songwriting legacy also provided context for the evening's broader celebration.

From Boyz II Men's “End of the Road” and “I'll Make Love to You” to Toni Braxton's “Breathe Again” and Tevin Campbell's “Can We Talk,” Babyface's contributions have helped establish a lasting foundation for R&B.

Tanya Nolan Returns to the Majic Stage

For Tanya Nolan, the evening represented another meaningful opportunity to connect with Houston-area audiences.

The Billboard-charting R&B and soul recording artist returned to Majic 102.1 Under the Stars by popular demand, performing her latest R&B hit, “Reckless,” along with selections from her catalog.

Having appeared at the event several years earlier, Nolan brought renewed energy to the stage, accompanied by line dancers whose coordinated choreography added movement and visual excitement to “Reckless.”

The performance combined soulful vocals with a lively presentation, highlighting her versatility as a recording artist and live entertainer.

“Coming back to Majic 102.1 Under the Stars and being welcomed back by popular demand means so much to me,” said Nolan. “There is something special about performing for an audience that embraces your music and wants to see you return. I loved bringing ‘Reckless’ to the stage with the line dancers, along with performing other songs from my catalog. Sharing the stage with such incredible artists made the experience even more special, and I'm grateful to Majic 102.1 and everyone who continues to support my music.”

Nolan's appearance came during a year marked by achievements across several musical formats.

Her gospel single “Blessings” reached No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart, while “Impossible,” produced by acclaimed UK producer SoulPersona (Morgan Howell), continued to build momentum at smooth jazz radio.

Her international audience has also expanded through “Let's Celebrate,” which spent 18 consecutive weeks on Shazam's Top 50 Chart in China.

Nolan's catalog further includes “Honey,” “Like Water,” “Pace Yourself” featuring Grammy Award-winning singer Raheem DeVaughn, “My Best” featuring CeeLo Green, and “Good Woman,” the Adult R&B hit that helped introduce her music to Billboard audiences.

Moving across R&B, soul, smooth jazz and gospel, Nolan continues to develop a body of work distinguished by expressive vocals, relatable storytelling and musical versatility.

Her return to the Majic stage offered another opportunity to showcase that range before a live audience.

MAJOR. and Jevon Dewand Add Their Own Distinctive Sounds

MAJOR. brought his signature soulful delivery to the evening, drawing on the heartfelt approach that has defined his music.

Best known for the uplifting love song “Why I Love You,” the singer has developed a connection with audiences through music centered on love, sincerity and emotional expression.

His performance complemented the evening's celebration of R&B, balancing the familiar appeal of established classics with a contemporary sound rooted in soul.

Jevon Dewand also contributed to the night's variety, delivering a performance that featured a surprise appearance by Jazze Pha.

The unexpected collaboration added another layer of excitement to the concert and highlighted the creative connections that continue to bring artists together across R&B and hip-hop.

Keyshia Cole rounded out the all-star lineup. Known for her emotionally candid songs about relationships, heartbreak and personal growth, Cole has built a devoted audience through a recording career defined by distinctive vocals and personal storytelling.

Her inclusion further strengthened a lineup that brought together celebrated performers and artists with their own individual approaches to R&B.

Live Music Keeps R&B Connected Across Generations

Majic 102.1 Under the Stars demonstrated the continuing appeal of R&B as a genre that evolves without losing its connection to the past.

Babyface's catalog illustrated the power of enduring songwriting, while the performances by Keyshia Cole, Tanya Nolan, MAJOR. and Jevon Dewand reflected the range of voices and styles that keep the music moving forward.

The evening also underscored the importance of live concerts in bringing artists and audiences together.

Familiar songs took on new meaning in a shared setting, while surprise moments and individual performances gave concertgoers fresh memories to carry home.

At Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the combination of celebrated hits, soulful performances and a multigenerational lineup made Majic 102.1 Under the Stars a showcase of R&B's lasting cultural and musical influence.

For the artists who took the stage and the fans who filled the venue, the evening was a reminder that great R&B does more than entertain.

It tells stories, preserves memories and creates connections that continue long after the music ends.

Follow the Artists on Instagram

Babyface: @babyface

Keyshia Cole: @keyshiacole

Tanya Nolan: @iamtanyanolan

MAJOR.: @nowthatsmajor

Jevon Dewand: @jevondewand