Boyz II Men, a renowned R&B ensemble celebrated for their velvety harmonies and heartfelt ballads, with a dedicated global fan base, is already in Kigali in preparation for their upcoming live concert scheduled for Saturday, October 28. This event marks their debut in the country. Though initially formed in 1985 with four members, including Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris, and Michael McCary, the latter two were missing. Michael McCary had departed from the group on January 30, 2003, citing chronic back issues linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) and personal challenges as the reasons behind his exit. The absence of Nathan Morris, however, remained unexplained. “We are extremely excited to be here,” said Shawn Stockman, 51. “It’s our first time in the country, but we’ve gained some knowledge about its history and its beauty. We plan to fully immerse ourselves in the experience while we’re here. Most importantly, we want to inform everyone in Rwanda that we are here. There was a lot of speculation, but we’re here now.” ALSO READ: Boyz II Men to perform in Rwanda this October Preference for their albums may vary based on individual tastes, but their 1991 release, “Cooleyhighharmony,” is frequently regarded as their most popular and iconic work. This album includes some of their most significant hits, like “Motownphilly,” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” and “End of the Road,” which held the record for spending 13 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Another noteworthy album is “II,” launched in 1994, featuring major hits such as “I’ll Make Love to You” and “Water Runs Dry.” “II” enjoyed remarkable success and played a pivotal role in cementing their reputation as one of the best-selling R&B groups in history. Thus, “Cooleyhighharmony” marked their debut and ascent to stardom, while “II” stands out as one of their most beloved and successful albums. The singers, raised in Philadelphia, many from single-parent homes, immersed themselves in the music of black artistes from the 60s and 70s. They united in 1988 at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts, where, despite their classical music training, they honed their R&B harmonies in school bathrooms. In 1989, after an impromptu a cappella performance for singer Michael Bivins, a founding member of Bell Biv Devoe, he signed them to a production deal. Since their debut, Boyz II Men has secured four Grammy Awards. These include wins in 1992 for “Cooleyhighharmony,” in 1993 for “End of the Road,” in 1994 for “I’ll Make Love to You,” and for the album “II.” Asked how they still manage to stand out in their 38-year-long career, their response was far from modest. “A lot of groups from our era are not doing it the way we are doing it; they’re not doing it at this capacity. And they sure are not coming to Rwanda 30-something years in their career,” Wanya Morris, 50, said during an interview at Kigali International Airport shortly after their arrival. “It must mean we did something right because people here in Rwanda want to see us, and they want to see a show, and we’re going to give them exactly what they ask for,” he added.
