Singer Brian McKnight performs "After the Love is Gone" in tribute to composer and music producer David Foster at the 59th Annual BMI Pop Awards in Beverly Hills, California May 17, 2011. Foster received the BMI Icon Award at the event. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT) Singer Brian McKnight performs "After the Love is Gone" in tribute to composer and music producer David Foster at the 59th Annual BMI Pop Awards in Beverly Hills, California May 17, 2011. Foster received the BMI Icon Award at the event. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)
HIS songs were the smooth soundtrack to parts of the 1990s, and those that he wrote later for artists such as Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake became hits in their own right.
Now, RnB veteran Brian McKnight is set to bring his 25-year music career, filled with accolades and accomplishments, to the Mother City.
Concert organisers Marmalade Productions announced that the 46-year-old singer is set to perform at the GrandWest’s Grand Arena on September 17.
It’s something fans have demanded for a while, taking to the organiser’s Facebook page to plead with the concert organiser to bring the artist to the city.
As part of the announcement, McKnight wrote on his Facebook page: “Cape Town! The wait is over! I am excited to share an evening with you all... can’t wait to jam with you all again!”
Users flocked to buy tickets, showing off how many they had managed to snag on Marmalade Productions’ page.
McKnight was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1969 where he began his musical journey as a member of a church choir. When he left high school he was signed by Mercury Records. He was just 19 years old.
By 1992 he had released his first self-titled album followed by I Remember You in 1995 and Anytime in 1997. The latter album sold over two million copies and earned him a nomination at the Grammy Awards.
Over the years he continued to pursue his solo career, but collaborative projects saw him work with artists such as Quincy Jones, P Diddy, Christina Aguilera, Nelly, Willie Nelson and Kenny G.
In the past 25 years he has released 15 albums and notched up an impressive 16 Grammy nominations.
Organisers said that McKnight was “not only getting better with age, but also with life, love and music”.
Describing his latest album, Better, which will be released ahead of the concert in August, he said: “I’m taking it back to basics. Creating music like we did 20 years ago – completely organic, all real instruments. The truth is, I’m in love and love makes us better, it makes us come alive.”
l Stand a chance to win double tickets to watch Brian McKnight Live in concert at GrandWest Arena on Thursday, September 17.
To enter answer the following question: Where will Brian McKnight be performing LIVE?
All you have to do is SMS BMLIVE, your answer, name and surname to 34445. Sms costs R1.50. Ts and Cs apply. The competition line opens today and closes on Monday at 9am.
Cape Argus