When it comes to longevity in music, there’s one of two genres that trumps them all. Yes, we’re still singing bubblegum pop classics from 20 years ago, but can we actually remember the song title, let alone who belted them out?
Then there’s rock and roll.
A lot of us are guilty of jamming out to the biggest rock hits from 30 years ago in front of our TVs, or being conscious of the iconic groups such as KISS and Rolling Stones enough to wear them on a T-shirt yet can we actually name one of their songs?
See, that’s where RnB comes in.
Not only do we know the heavyweights that have helped to carry the genre over the years, but we’re also incredibly conscious of the many songs that they recorded over the years. That said, it should come as no surprise the excitement we felt when we found out that RnB heavyweights Boyz II Men would be hitting SA shores once again. The group was initially supposed to come in April of 2020 but then that whole viral pandemic thing happened and they had to cancel. But that’s all in the past an, the RnB superfan in me is definitely in heaven.
From Boys To Men
Originally known as Unique Attraction, the group was formed in 1985 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by friends Nathan Morris and Marc Nelson and it consisted of fellow schoolmates George Baldi, Jon Shoats, and Marguerite Walker. In 1987, Wanya Morris, who sang in the school’s choir along with the members of Unique Attraction, joined the group and became a permanent member since he was only a freshman. As they graduated in 1988 Baldi, Shoats, and Walker all left the group. Following their departure, Shawn Stockman was recruited.
Michael McCary later joined the group when he started singing with them after he caught them practicing harmonies in a school bathroom. Finding inspiration from RnB supergroup New Edition, the group later changed their name to “Boyz II Men” after one of New Edition’s songs, “Boys to Men“.
In 1989, the group got their big break after sneaking backstage at a concert in their hometown to sing for New Edition member Michael Bivins. After they sang New Edition’s Can You Stand The Rain for him, Bivins was so impressed that he eventually agreed to manage and help produce the group.
Unfortunately, the recording delays, as well as reported in-band tensions, led to founding member Marc Nelson leaving the group. As such, making Boyz II Men became the RnB super quartet that garnered international fame: Michael McCary, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman.
Over their 25 year tenure, Boyz II Men have brought us amazing hits, and my personal favourites include Water Runs Dry, I’ll Make Love To You, their cover of Human Nature, End of The Road, On Bended Knee, Pass You Buy and Doing Just Fine.
Get your tickets
If like me you’re ready to watch these perfect gentlemen serenade you on a night out, take note of the following details below;
Cape Town
Grand Arena, GrandWest
Tuesday, 31st October 2023
Pretoria
SUNBET ARENA, Time Square
Thursday, 2nd November 2023
North West
Superbowl, Sun City
Saturday, 4th November 2023
The Boyz II Men South African tour will be powered by media partners Kaya FM and Kfm 94.5 and you can buy your tickets here.
Pastry Playdates 