Jamaican singer and actress Sevana recently graced Brooklyn with an intimate unplugged performance, a testament to her growing influence and the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture within the borough. The event, held at Damballa, a music bar in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, saw the artist deliver a set filled with popular tracks that resonated deeply with the audience.
Sevana, born Anna-Sharé Blake, has steadily carved out a significant niche in the music industry since her emergence. Hailing from Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica, her journey began with the girl group SLR, which achieved third place on the local competition Digicel Rising Stars. After a hiatus, she re-entered the music scene, collaborating with prominent reggae artist Protoje and eventually launching a solo career. Her musical style is characterized by a blend of R&B/soul influences with the tropical rhythms of the Caribbean, delivered with a soulful depth and a versatile vocal range. Her discography includes a self-titled EP and the critically acclaimed EP “Be Somebody,” showcasing her evolution as an artist. This Brooklyn performance offered a more stripped-down, intimate setting for fans to connect with her music, featuring beloved songs such as “Blessed,” “Bit Too Shy,” and “Mango.”
A Night of Intimate Melodies
The unplugged set at Damballa highlighted Sevana’s command over her craft, allowing the raw emotion and lyrical prowess of her songs to shine. The performance was meticulously curated, with Jamaican stylist Kadeem Rodgers styling Sevana and NYC-based artist Emani Edwards providing assistance. The visual artistry of Jamaican-born visual artist Alexander Wong captured the essence of the evening, with his photographs immortalizing Sevana’s presence on stage.
This event underscores Brooklyn’s enduring status as a vibrant hub for Caribbean culture and music. The borough has long been a melting pot for artists and enthusiasts from across the Caribbean diaspora, fostering an environment where diverse cultural expressions can thrive. Venues like Damballa play a crucial role in showcasing these talents, offering a platform for artists like Sevana to connect with a diverse audience and share their authentic voices. The presence of such cultural events contributes significantly to the dynamic arts scene in New York, serving as vital news for the community.
Sevana’s Ascending Star
Sevana’s career trajectory has been marked by consistent growth and critical recognition. Her music has been featured on platforms like NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, and she has earned accolades for her strong vocal performances and artistic integrity. Her ability to seamlessly weave her Jamaican heritage into contemporary sounds positions her as a unique voice in the global music landscape. The recent performance in Brooklyn is another significant step in her journey, demonstrating her capacity to engage audiences in both large festivals and more intimate settings.
Beyond the music itself, the event’s coverage in publications like the Jamaica Observer also highlighted broader lifestyle and fashion moments. While distinct from Sevana’s direct performance, mentions of actress Jodie Turner-Smith, fashion creative Tamu McPherson, and model Dru Campbell’s feature in Vogue were noted, reflecting the intersection of music, style, and celebrity within the broader cultural news landscape.
In conclusion, Sevana’s unplugged performance at Damballa was more than just a concert; it was a cultural affirmation. It celebrated the depth of talent emerging from Jamaica and its resonance within the global music scene, particularly within the vibrant Caribbean community of Brooklyn. As Sevana continues to evolve, her ability to connect with audiences through authentic, soulful performances solidifies her place as a noteworthy artist shaping contemporary music and culture.