Empowering Black Entrepreneurship: Stories of Success, Strategy & Growth
A documentary film exploring the extraordinary life and career of multi-GRAMMY®-winning artist Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is now in production, with backing from HarbourView Equity Partners. Directed by Emmy nominee Chris Moukarbel (“Gaga: Five Foot Two,” “Cypher”) and produced by Kenya Barris, the film will capture Babyface as he reflects on navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, reveals his songwriting and producing process, and takes us behind the scenes of his chart-conquering collaborations with such artists as Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Eric Clapton, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Madonna, and SZA.
Babyface is one of the most prolific and successful singer/songwriter/producers of all time. He’s won 13 GRAMMY® Awards, including 4 Producer of the Year awards, with 83 overall nominations. He’s the 7-time BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, and has racked up 16 BILLBOARD #1 Pop Singles, 45 BILLBOARD #1 R&B Singles, and 125 BILLBOARD Top 10 Hits. Babyface has contributed to over 800 million records sold and over a billion records streamed.
In 1989, Babyface and Antonio “L.A.” Reid founded LaFace Records, which played a pivotal role in the music industry during the 1990s and early 2000s. Based in Atlanta and known for its significant influence on the R&B and hip-hop genres, LaFace launched the careers of artists like Toni Braxton, Outkast, Usher, TLC, P!nk, Ciara, Goodie Mob, T.I., and Donnell Jones.
Babyface’s work producing film soundtracks and songs (“The Bodyguard,” “Boomerang,” “Soul Food,” “Waiting to Exhale”) has yielded some of his most important collaborations, including the Academy Award–winning Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey duet “When You Believe” for “The Prince of Egypt.”
The documentary will feature in-depth, exclusive interviews with Edmonds, including raw moments where he reveals how he channeled his own personal heartbreaks into creating the soundtrack for millions of love stories around the world. The film will also feature interviews with many of Babyface’s most notable collaborators, access to his never-before-seen personal archive, and behind the scenes and concert footage of his upcoming shows at The Palms in Las Vegas.
“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,” said Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. “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.”
“Babyface and his music has always been part of the soundtrack of my life,” said director Chris 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.”
“At HarbourView, 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,” said Sherrese Clarke, Founder & CEO, HarbourView Equity Partners. “We’re proud to support this project celebrating his genius, legacy, and the emotional honesty behind his work.”
“Babyface is one of one – a culture-defining hitmaker whose impact cannot be denied or overstated,” said producer Kenya Barris. “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 motherf—ers I’ve ever met.”
Chris Moukarbel’s Permanent Wave Productions serves as lead production company alongside producers Kenya Barris and Jeremy Allen of Khalabo Ink Society, Douglas Banker of Five All in the Fifth Entertainment, Rika Tischendorf, and Brande Baugh.
Harbourview Equity Partners is financing and producing. UTA Independent Film Group is representing the sale.
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is represented by WME and Azoff Music Management, Chris Mourkarel is represented by UTA, Heroes and Villains Ent and Levy Law, Kenya Barris is represented by WME and Artists First, and Douglas Banker is represented by UTA.
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