Exclusive Interview: 90s R&B Icons Damage on Their Upcoming Dubai Performance

Damage Talk Music, Legacy, and Their Upcoming Performance at The Tent Bla Bla, Dubai

For those who grew up in the 90s, hearing hits like Ghetto Romance, Love II Love, and Wonderful Tonight instantly evokes memories of the golden era of R&B. British group Damage became a defining act of the decade, blending smooth harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and infectious melodies that still resonate today.

With a career spanning over three decades, Damage continues to bring their signature energy to stages worldwide. Ahead of Rahsaan J Bromfield, Jade Jones, Andrez Harriott and Noel Simpson’s much-anticipated Dubai performance, Hayley Alexander at Art in the Middle sat down with the group to talk about their musical evolution, their connection with fans, and what it’s like to reflect on a career that has lasted over 30 years. Did 90s kid Hayley manage to play the interview cool? Well, she tried.

Art in the Middle: Looking back, is there a small moment in your career that seemed insignificant at the time but has proven to be meaningful?

Rahs: For me, it’s travelling. Back then, we toured across the UK and internationally, but it felt like just part of the job—something that would always be there. We didn’t always take the time to truly appreciate the places we visited. In hindsight, that was something huge, and I wish we had soaked it all in more.

Noel: I completely agree. Most of our friends at home hardly travelled, and we would return from places like New York to find they had never experienced really leaving home. We didn’t fully grasp how fortunate we were at the time.

Jade: We got to see these beautiful countries, but we were constantly on the move—land, studio, performance, then straight back home. There wasn’t much downtime to explore. I remember one particular moment in Australia when we were doing an interview on Bondi Beach. We were working solidly, and we were supposed to leave immediately after the interview, but we all decided to stay. We thought, this could be the only time we’re here, in Australia. That day, we made the decision to take it all in, and it became a memory we still hold onto, soaking up the culture and just being present in the moment.

Andrez: Aside from the travelling, I think about how we started. Our first record deal was with an independent label, Big Life Records. At the time, it felt small compared to our peers who were signed to major labels. But looking back, that independent start gave us something invaluable—it allowed us time to craft our sound, real A&R (Artists & Repertoire) and build a foundation without the pressures of being dropped after one album. It was a modest beginning that contributed to a 30-year career.

Art in the Middle: You last visited Dubai as a group in 1997. How does it feel to return after all these years to perform?

Jade: I’ve been back for holidays, and the transformation is incredible. Dubai has everything you could want, all in one place. Being invited back to perform is an honour. We’ve wanted to return for a while, and we’re grateful to Bla Bla for making it happen. We’re ready to bring the energy and do what we do best.

Rahs: As you grow into adulthood and in this industry, you start to ask yourself, _Can I do this anywhere? _You get used to a home crowd—the UK audience knows us, and we know how they respond. But when you take your show somewhere new, the question becomes, Can we connect in the same way? Some artists say stages are all the same, but it’s not about the stage—it’s about the audience and the connection we create with them. That’s what I’m looking forward to most.

Noel: We’ve performed for all kinds of crowds—from pop festivals to soul weekends. Our music crosses genres, and we’ve been lucky that no matter the setting, we can still bring our energy and make it work. This Dubai show will be no different.

Art in the Middle: Has Damage’s sound evolved over the years? Should fans expect any surprises?

Andrez: Our music has grown with us. The core elements—our vocals and signature instrumentation—are still there, but we’ve refined the sound. Over the years, we’ve explored so many genres—R&B, reggae, rare groove, hip-hop, garage, and funky house. Those influences have shaped how we perform now.

Expect the classics, but with a fresh twist, it’s a live band sound. We work with a live band now, and that transforms the energy of the performance. These songs feel different when played live, and the experience becomes something truly special.

Art in the Middle: You’ve got some pretty loyal fans ahem, what do you think has kept your connection with fans so strong over the years?

Rahs: Being relatable. It’s not just about singing the songs—it’s about what we say in between the songs. We may well share our lives, and talk about our families, our kids, and the things we’re going through that the audience most likely can relate to. That makes the connection real. People don’t just see us as artists, but as individuals they can relate to.

Performing live has always been our passion. That energy resonates with the audience. It’s not just a show—it’s a shared experience. When we step on stage, we leave everything behind and give it our all.

It’s almost like we’re not allowed to have a day-off on stage.

Jade: We don’t ever want to have a day off stage! Honestly, we could be having a bad day, but as soon as we all get together, the energy just lifts. We’ve spent so much time together, that there’s a real synergy. It’s great, a totally different energy.

Noel: Another thing to add, we have always treated people the same, no matter who they are. From the cleaner to the CEO, we give everyone the same love and respect. We’re not a diva band, I think people feel that.

Art in the Middle: What’s that one song that you really enjoy performing?

Jade: It’s hard to pick just one, but mine has to be Still Be Loving You, only because I get to come out on stage alone and perform a little solo.

Rahs: Forever is probably my most emotional song. It gets me every time—when we're doing headline shows, I’m energised after the first four or five songs, and then we get to Forever, and I become emotional. I look out at the crowd, and seeing so many people singing our songs back to us just raises the roof.

Art in the Middle: Do you have any must-do experiences planned while in Dubai?

Jade: I’m bringing my son with me, so I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with him before the show. Spending time with the band, and you know what, seeing Dubai and some sun! Good weather.

Andrez: We’ll definitely try to make time for a nice dinner, altogether, and just generally enjoy Dubai.

It was such a pleasure chatting with the guys, and we can’t wait to see them bring their legendary sound to The Tent Bla Bla on Friday, April 11.

Visit: platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.

Image courtesy of Damage