The life and career of 13-time Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will take center stage in a documentary that’s now in production and backed by HarbourView Equity Partners. Helming the documentary are Emmy-nominated director Chris Moukarbel (Gaga: Five Foot Two, Cypher) and Kenya Barris (black-ish, grown-ish).
According to a press release announcing the project, the documentary will feature Babyface during in-depth interviews talking about the triumphs and challenges he’s encountered in the music industry, his songwriting and production process and his star-filled list of collaborators over the years such as Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Beyoncé, Eric Clapton, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and SZA. As such, the documentary will also feature interviews with many of Babyface’s key collaborators as well as behind-the-scenes and concert footage of his upcoming shows at The Palms in Las Vegas.
The documentary will also encompass his trajectory as a co-founder of Atlanta-based LaFace Records with Antonio “L.A.” Reid in the ‘90s and early 2000s. In addition to Braxton, the storied label’s roster included OutKast, Usher, TLC, P!nk and Ciara.
“I’ve often wondered how an unassuming kid from Indianapolis got to where he is today, working with artists and achieving dreams I could’ve never imagined when I first started,” commented Babyface in the press release. “This documentary is giving me a chance to go down memory lane with a fine-tooth comb, reexamining the highs and lows of my life and career. I’m discovering where all the songs really came from — and perhaps just as important, the how and why.”
That “unassuming kid” went on to write and produce seminal film soundtracks and songs as well. Those credits include The Bodyguard, Boomerang, Soul Food and Waiting to Exhale — the latter of which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. He also produced “When You Believe,” the Academy Award-winning duet between Houston and Carey from the animated film The Prince of Egypt. Beyond his 13 Grammy Awards. the prolific music man is a seven-time BMI pop songwriter of the year honoree. He also counts 16 No. 1 pop singles, 45 No. 1 R&B singles and 125 top 10 hits per the Billboard charts.
“Babyface and his music has always been part of the soundtrack of my life,” said director Moukarbel. “His imprint on the music world is massive and I feel really honored to be even a small part in sharing his story through directing this film.
Sherrese Clarke, founder/CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, said, “We’re passionate about investing in stories and creators who’ve shaped culture in lasting ways. Babyface’s influence on music and artistry is immeasurable — his songs have defined generations. We’re proud to support this project celebrating his genius, legacy and the emotional honesty behind his work.”
Describing Babyface as “one of one — a culture-defining hitmaker whose impact cannot be denied or overstated,” Barris added, “We’re honored to be a part of telling his story and grateful that we’re teaming with Harbourview, a company that understands the importance of investing in culture and storytelling like this, to do so. I hope this project not only spotlights Babyface’s remarkable career but also gives people a glimpse into the man behind the musical genius, who just might be one of the funniest motherfuckers I’ve ever met.”
