Jamaican singer and actress Sevana delivered a memorable unplugged performance at Brooklyn’s Damballa venue on Saturday, October 11, 2025, enchanting a local audience with her soulful vocals and versatile musicality. The event, styled by renowned Jamaican stylist Kadeem Rodgers with assistance from NYC-based artist Emani Edwards, showcased Sevana’s ability to connect with fans on a more intimate level, performing crowd favorites such as “Blessed,” “Bit Too Shy,” and “Mango.” Visual artist Alexander Wong, who is Jamaican-born and San Francisco-trained, was on hand to capture the evening’s magic through his photography.
The Ascendancy of Sevana
Anna-Sharé Blake, professionally known as Sevana, has steadily carved out a significant niche in the global music scene. Hailing from Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica, her journey into music began early, participating in the Digicel Rising Stars competition with the girl group SLR, which placed third. After a hiatus where she explored other career paths, Sevana made a strong return in 2014. Her collaboration with reggae star Protoje on “Sudden Flight” from his album “Ancient Future” proved to be a pivotal moment, leading to her signing with his In.Digg. Nation Collective label. Since then, she has released critically acclaimed EPs, including her self-titled debut in 2016 and “Be Somebody” in 2020, showcasing a sound that artfully blends R&B and soul influences with the distinctive rhythms of the Caribbean.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Sevana has also ventured into acting, notably being cast as Judy Mowatt in the highly anticipated 2024 biopic “Bob Marley: One Love.” Her artistic range and captivating presence have earned her international recognition from publications like The FADER and Complex, and performances at major festivals worldwide. This Brooklyn engagement adds another significant stop to her growing performance resume.
Brooklyn’s Vibrant Caribbean Music Scene
New York City, and Brooklyn in particular, has long been a thriving epicenter for Caribbean music and culture. From the annual West Indian Day Parade to numerous live music venues, the borough consistently celebrates its rich heritage through sound. Damballa, a new music bar located on the border of Bushwick and Bed-Stuy, has quickly established itself as a contributing space to this dynamic scene. Opened by the team behind the popular Café Erzulie, Damballa offers an intentionally designed atmosphere with a bespoke sound system, aiming to immerse patrons in “Black” music genres, including reggae, dancehall, and soul, alongside other global sounds. The venue’s programming, which features vinyl-only nights and reggae showcases, provides a platform for artists like Sevana to connect with a receptive audience. This performance news highlights the ongoing importance of Brooklyn as a destination for authentic Caribbean musical experiences.
An Unplugged Affair
The choice of an “unplugged set” often signifies a more raw and intimate performance, allowing the artist’s vocal prowess and songwriting to take center stage. For Sevana, known for her powerful delivery and soulful depth, this format likely offered a unique opportunity to engage directly with the Brooklyn audience. Performing fan-favorite tracks stripped down to their acoustic essence can create a special connection, revealing different nuances of the songs and the artist’s emotional expression. The intimate setting of Damballa would have further amplified this experience, fostering a palpable sense of shared energy between Sevana and her listeners.
Curated Aesthetics and Artistic Vision
The visual presentation of a performance is as crucial as the music itself, and Sevana’s team ensured a cohesive artistic vision for the event. Jamaican stylist Kadeem Rodgers, alongside NYC-based artist Emani Edwards, curated Sevana’s look, likely reflecting her vibrant personality and musical style. The visual narrative was further captured by Jamaican-born, San Francisco-trained photographer Alexander Wong, whose lens would have documented the performance’s atmosphere and Sevana’s striking presence. This collaborative approach between music, fashion, and visual arts underscores the multifaceted nature of Sevana’s artistry.
Sevana’s performance at Damballa on October 11, 2025, served as a testament to her evolving career and her deep connection to the Caribbean music diaspora. It was an evening where her distinctive voice, combined with a thoughtfully curated aesthetic and the intimate ambiance of Brooklyn’s music scene, created a truly memorable experience for all in attendance. This event adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative of Caribbean music’s significant impact on the global stage.