The landscape of R&B music is constantly changing, from the singing-in-the-rain type yearning to self-assured women owning their femininity. There’s a debate on whether real R&B is dead and gone, but as long as there is love, the genre will never cease to exist, even if it sounds a little different. R&B is in good hands, and the women at Saturday’s One Musicfest showcased that.
The day started with UK girl group FLO, who, as a trio, have been bringing back the essence and power of girl groups. Renée, Jorja, and Stella can easily be compared to girl groups of the past, such as Destiny’s Child, and the influences are certainly there, but the girls have blended their own form of fun and sensual music. They commanded the stage with silky, cohesive harmonies and a synergy only seen from a group that had been friends first. They ran through hits from their EPs and debut studio album, such as “Immature,” Fly Girl,” “Walk Like This,” and their breakout debut single “Cardboard Box.”
Atlanta native Jai’Len Josey has been steadily building a name for herself in the city she calls home, and it’s not hard with a voice as soulful as hers. With a unique texture and grit to her voice, she serenades whether it’s an intimate crowd like her set at OMF’s Toyota Stage or a concert venue. Josey opened up with a cover of “Need U Bad” by Jazmine Sullivan, her inflections mirroring those of the powerhouse songstress. Backed by Vibe Ktrl, Poetry on Peter’s resident band, she moved into her own songs, “Southern Delicacy,” “New Girl,” and “Willie’s Interlude,” the latter a dedication to her late grandfather.
Kehlani rounded out the new age R&B acts for the night. Her confident persona on stage was a testament to her longevity in the music industry, with over a decade of hits complemented by smooth vocals, effortless dance breaks, and a boldness that can’t be taught. Kehlani’s set was one filled with gratitude. The singer-songwriter acknowledged how, even a decade later, her career continues to grow in ways she never imagined, evident by her latest song “Folded,” which has taken over the charts and snared the hearts of listeners and R&B legends such as Brandy, Toni Braxton, and Tank. She began her set with a teaser of the song before moving into hits such as “The Way” featuring Chance the Rapper, “I Hate the Club,” “Can I,” “Nights Like This,” and “After Hours.” She ended the set with “Folded,” but it was more of a collaborative effort. The audience swayed, hugged, and waved their hands as they sang along to every word.