Live Review: Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton's personal life has been anything but charmed with her career plagued by a rocky combination of music industry corruption and health issues. In a testament to her spirit Braxton has shown a deep and resolute tenacity to delve into her music and soar above the problems of the past, as she demonstrated at HBF Stadium in Mt Claremont on Wednesday night.

Clad in a sequined white jacket and matching hot pants Braxton strutted down the stairs to a standing ovation. Backed by her sisters Trina and Towanda, Toni kicked into He Wasn't Man Enough, working the crowd with her trademark sexy contralto tones — marking Braxton as arguably the queen of the sultry tone. How Many Ways marked the first of the '90s back catalogue that rocketed Braxton into the 'Holy Trinity of '90s R&B Divas' along with Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, with a soft classic '90s beat riding underneath. Seven Whole Days and I Don't Want To blended to complete the first trip back to the land of nostalgia.

An ugly fight broke out in the crowd. The scuffle was hard to ignore as the crowd rose to their feet to get a better view, resulting in Braxton having to stop the show to get it sorted out.  Security quickly ejected the embarrassing representatives of humanity and the show resumed with Braxton pulling out one of her greatest hits, You Mean The World To Me, prompting instant forgiveness and an inspiring singalong of the chorus.

Seminal slowjam Another Sad Love Song was delivered with conviction as was the Braxton piece de resistance, Breathe Again, which prompted dancing in the aisles and the clutching of hearts, the combination forming the highlight of the night.

As Braxton departed the stage, a hilarious clip from her reality show Braxton Family Values splashed across the big screen. Produced by Braxton herself, the show depicts the extended Braxton household discussing their musical upbringing growing up as 'PKs' or Pastor's Kids. The wealth of musical talent between the four sisters and brothers frequently resulted in meal times being taken over by impromptu musical jams. To expand on the idea — sister Trina moved from backing singer to centre stage to perform Party Or Go Home, an upbeat party anthem with a disco beat.

On her return, Toni Braxton was wearing a shimmery full-length gown which she promptly ditched to reveal a one-piece bathing suit, revealing her new gym body: "I've been working out and I want to show my body off to you guys." She did look in fantastic shape despite having had to fend off continual health problems. You're Makin' Me High, Spanish Guitar and Hurt You followed in quick succession before Braxton returned to the variety show vibe, getting a member of the audience up on stage to take the place of Babyface on their recent collaboration Love, Marriage And Divorce. After a nervous start the guy performed admirably and won large cheers from the crowd. 

Toni Braxton bade farewell before closing with the classic Un-Break My Heart, going out on a high and reminding us that despite the issues of the past Braxton is first and foremost a singer of the highest calibre.