“I think of myself as a songwriter, first and foremost…then as a record producer. And I suppose those other things I do can come in any order after that.”

— Babyface, 1996

Long before current urban music writer-cum-performer types like The Dream and Ne-Yo penned songs for the divas of their generation, the prolific Babyface had been locking down lyrics for all the heavyweights of his.

Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds was without a doubt the go-to guy for a bona fide pop hit. And it’s no surprise that he’s listed on the liner notes of many A-listers, the likes of Whitney Houston, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. But wait, there’s some ‘new school’, too, in the form of Pink, Fall Out Boy and Chrisette Michele, among others.

Writing chops aside, Babyface is an R&B giant having juggled hit-maker-producer-superstar status all at the same time… Artfully crafting songs about love, romance and relationships for the better part of 30 years. One need only look to his 10 Grammys and 11 solo albums to truly understand his prowess. His accolades continue with 125 Top 10 R&B and pop hits and 42 number ones, which have produced single and album sales in excess of 500 million units worldwide.

Babyface’s influence continues to span generations and nowhere is this more obvious than the Just Stand Up anthem, which he co-wrote and -produced along with the famed Antonio ‘LA’ Reid in 2008 — performed by of-the-moment pop princesses Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Leona Lewis and music mavens Mariah, Mary J Blige and Sheryl Crow.

The Rock, last January, hosted the romantic crooner at the JAMAICA Jazz & Blues Festival in Montego Bay… naturally, there was a sea of swooning women drowning in the pool of emotions Babyface’s tunes stirred. He returns to the island for a concert at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Saturday, November 13, 2010 to relive that experience. Ahead of all that, though, the singer is sharing a bit about who he is — both on and off stage — in an exclusive interview with SO…

Tell us something about Babyface that your fans don’t know; is Babyface for example a good cook?

Hmm (smiles) not bad! I can cook a few things, mainly chicken dishes.

Was it your life-long dream to become a singer/songwriter and producer?

Yes… it’s a dream I’ve had since I was 12 years old.

Your last performance in Jamaica was so enthralling, how do you plan to top that this time around?

We’re just gonna have a good time; play some music and hopefully make everyone happy. That’s the best we can do.

And what was the experience of performing in Jamaica for the first time like for you?

It was great, the audience was great, and there was a certain energy; I was really surprised… it was like everyone knew every song!

What did you enjoy or liked the most about the island?

I didn’t see much of the island the last time I was here, but I saw the people and they were great… so I kind of took solace in that — it’s the people who make the island special.

What would you like to do in Kingston during this trip?

I would love to check out the Bob Marley Museum.

What keeps you motivated to perform and deliver such a scintillating set?

The music… it’s always the biggest inspiration, whether it is writing, performing or producing.

Tell us about The Day, which you wrote to celebrate the birth of your son. That song has moved many to tears.

I just woke up early and put it together…it took me about 30 minutes to write.

Clearly there was motivation to write that song, what inspires your other songs?

I like to watch people; I’m a people-watcher, so it’s observing the experiences of friends and family that give me ideas.

What is planned for your performance in Jamaica this time around?

My plan is really to try to see a little bit more of the country, I think I have a couple extra days, so it should be a good trip this time.

Any advice for young and aspiring singers?

Just be real, try to come from an authentic space and hopefully it will work out for you.

This concert is a part of the United Way Week. What philanthropic efforts are you involved in?

I’ve always worked with charities throughout my career. I have worked with the VH-1 Save the Music Foundation, the Stand Up to Cancer effort and I’ve contributed to other worthwhile causes like the United Negro College Fund. And the main reason I’m returning to Jamaica so quickly is because it’s a charity event.

What’s your style?

I don’t know… I’ll leave that to other people to determine.

What are your preferred labels?

I don’t really dress up in suits as much as I used to, now it’s just more jeans and sweat pants, but I prefer John Varvatos suits.

Who or what does Babyface listen to?

Everything: classic, country, pure rock, reggae… just everything.

What’s your essential item?

My credit card… can’t leave home without that.

How does Babyface unwind or relax?

I just like to go to the movies, that’s my favourite pastime.

What kind of movies do you like?

Oh, all kinds… I’m a movie buff (laughs).

And finally, you listen to reggae, what are your thoughts on the genre?

It’s one of the most soulful, inspirational types of music. It’s its own frontier and so because of that reggae will always be special.