Exclusive Review: SWV, Monica, & Joe Wow at RNB Xmas Ball 2023

London’s OVO Arena Wembley played host to a colossal collective of R&B royals at the hotly anticipated RNB Xmas Ball 2023.

The sold-out extravaganza, which was powered by The TCO Group, was top-lined by icons SWV, Monica, and Joe.

And the trio did not disappoint.

Join us below for a recap on a memorable night of R&B magnificence.

SWV

Armed with the momentum of their hit series ’SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B,’ Coko, Taj, and LeLee lit up the stage with a blazing array of back-to-back hits.

Transporting the adoring masses to the seismic heights of the ‘90s, the trio took vocal flight with classics such as ‘Right Here,’ ‘So Into You,’ and ‘Weak,’ as well as beloved fan favorites like the scintillating ‘Downtown.’

Packing more than nostalgia, the ladies also showcased a contemporary kick with a delicious medley of Beyonce’s ‘Party’ and Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s bop ‘Please Me.’

Especially impressive was the enduring nature of their vocals. Sure, they’ve lived up to their billing as “sisters “with voices” for the length and breadth of their career, but the trifecta of their heavenly harmonies, projection, and vocal potency drove home that – three decades later – they sound better now than ever before.

The slick styling and cadre of dynamic dancers also showed that the group is willing, ready, and able to evolve their live offering too.

Like the finest wine, SWV has only gotten better with time.

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Monica

Since bursting onto the scene as a teen with ‘Don’t Tale It Personal (Just One of Dem Days),’ Monica’s secret sauce has long been her ability to wow with a mic and her talent.

Such was the case during her Wembley showing.

Somewhat stripped back, the air of grandiosity was embedded in Monica’s voice which filled every corner of the arena. Equally rousing and resonating were the anthems she performed that had the capacity crowd in unified chorus such as ‘Angel of Mine,’ ‘So Gone,’ and ‘Love All Over Me.’

Our only gripe? ‘The Boy is Mine’ was notably missing from the set.

Still, after almost two decades away from London, Monica’s showing whet our appetites for a more robust return to the capital.

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Joe

Closing out the colossal concert, the seasoned veteran showed up and showed out.

Keeping skilled command of the capacity crowd, Joe jammed with his band and left an indelible mark on the stage.

Blazing with a seemingly endless onslaught of R&B smashes, the 7-time GRAMMY nominee reminded in earnest why he serves as one of the genre’s most revered standard-bearers.

Stacked with hits such as ‘Stutter,’ ’Things You Man Won’t Do,’ ‘Ride Wit You,’ and ‘I Wanna Know,’ Joe’s set – much like the RNB Xmas Ball 2023 at large – reverberated and reminded that not only is R&B alive – it’s thriving!

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[Photo Credit: Jason A Miller]