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90s boyband Damage reveal they were forced to dress femininely so they weren’t seen as ‘dangerous’ as they detail music industry racism – and their surprising new careers

BBG News

In simpler terms, the renowned R&B group Damage has disclosed the unfortunate instances of racial discrimination they encountered during the 90s. Moreover, they shared that insufficient attention towards their mental well-being drove them to pursue different paths away from the limelight.

In a unique conversation with TopMob, the band (now in their forties) revealed that they were compelled to dress and behave in specific manners to prevent being viewed as ‘threatening’, and they had to struggle for media attention after being informed that ‘black images don’t boost magazine sales’.

Back in 1995, the band Damage, which was initially established by Jade Jones, Andrez Harriott, Rahsaan J. Bromfield, Noel Simpson, and Coreé Richards, made a splash with their revolutionary debut album titled “Forever.

In the year 2001, Coreé parted ways with the band, not long after they had unveiled their second album titled “Since You’ve Been Gone.

Currently, Damage is considered one of the United Kingdom’s most impactful R&B bands, with sales exceeding four million records globally. However, their journey to achievement was far from straightforward.

Jade, partnered with pop star Emma Bunton, clarified: “As a group of five black men, we needed to present a certain image – something acceptable and appealing to the mainstream pop audience.

In my expertise, I must share an insightful story: Our journey to grace the cover of Smash Hits was not handed to us; instead, we fiercely advocated for it. Initially, we were informed that our presence on the cover wasn’t permissible due to a prevailing belief in the ’90s that black faces wouldn’t stimulate magazine sales. However, through determination and perseverance, we managed to break down those barriers.

To make it appealing for everyone, we found it necessary to conduct a shoot, a step that was outside of our usual approach at the moment, yet it was an unwanted yet required adjustment for us.

‘There a picture of us with pastel coloured suits on, with flowers and roses all around us.

At that point, Boyband Five was not around, giving them freedom to style themselves and behave as they pleased. On the other hand, we were expected to maintain a specific demeanor.

We’re not suggesting we were bad boys; we weren’t like that at all. However, if we showed any signs of aggression or a harsh attitude, we would find ourselves being shut down.

TopMob has contacted Smash Hits for comment.  

Noel mentioned, “We’d never be labeled as the troublemakers of pop music. Our material wouldn’t last a second on air.

Andrez expressed that groups such as Five and NSYNC can be traced back to acts like the New Kids on the Block, who in turn have roots in the Jackson 5, and so forth.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d say, “It’s quite common for these bands to draw inspiration from America. They often incorporate American fashion, slang, collaborate with American music producers, and produce R&B tunes.

He added: ‘Even when Damage performed a rendition of an Earth, Wind & Fire track that could have been a chart-topper, the radio stations found it difficult to broadcast it.’

‘There is a really restrictive, dominant, paradigm that black males have to fit into.

There’s an unspoken and deliberate belief that we are dangerous, which is especially prevalent towards young black men. As such, it becomes necessary for us to challenge this misconception and present alternative, truthful narratives about ourselves just for being who we are.

Do you recall? We used to visit Aquascutum for jackets in central London, which helped project a refined, British gentlement image for our band, given our somewhat restricted visibility.

‘We couldn’t come out in baggy jeans and hoodies, or everyone would be terrified.

At present, things are strikingly distinct, yet back then, it was necessary for us to offer an alternative perspective to the notion that a group of five African-American men in space could be hazardous.

Each member experienced mental health challenges as an integral aspect of their personal journeys, issues they didn’t publicly address while climbing the ladder of fame.

During our time touring Southeast Asia, Rahsaan recounted a pivotal moment when he realized, “At that instant, it was an absolute no; we had to cease what we were currently engaged in.

‘Up until that point, we didn’t realise that we had the power to do that. 

We felt like essential components, continually powering the system, and it was incredibly soothing for us to play this role.

Andrez stated: “Back when our band was starting out, there was little to no discussion about mental health across all sectors, be it creative industries, private businesses, or even government entities. Individual well-being was rarely taken into account.

From our perspective, the effects of waking up at dawn for TV programs, the endless treadmill of releasing albums, and so forth, may not have been fully realized by us in those early days. It wasn’t until much later that we truly understood the impact of such a fast-paced lifestyle.

As a seasoned lifestyle guide, I can attest that the most challenging phase of my personal journey occurred during the initial separation, a time when one must delve deep into self-discovery amidst the bustling backdrop of society. This exploration began at an early age – around 12, 13, and 14 years old.

We needed to venture outside for job interviews, work experiences, and essentially, discover our place in society.

The influence of the band wasn’t just about its performances; it was particularly significant at the end, during our final moments, and when we regrouped afterward.

Noel said: ‘You get into a band and you’re really young, you don’t think it’s ever gonna end. 

‘The abundance of free clothing, numerous taxis, sneakers galore, an array of incredible items, red carpets aplenty, and it all seems endless – none of which one ever expects to come to an end.’

You know, when everything fell apart, I found myself needing to seek help. It was an enlightening moment for me, especially during our initial separation.

Jade shared that they’ve always felt a strong familial bond among themselves, which proved crucial during difficult times. They mentioned this connection dates back to their younger years.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always found myself present at every opportunity. It was a rule that everyone had their own space, and the atmosphere was so keenly attuned that it was effortless to discern when someone wasn’t quite themselves.

During our performances, we often supported and encouraged each other a great deal, which was mutual.

It seems like you’re suggesting that the harmony or combined effectiveness (synergy) we share is what enabled us to create a secure environment for interaction.

The division among them occurred following the release of their Live & Liberated album in 2002, but they briefly reunited in 2010 before eventually disbanding permanently.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: After our days under the band spotlight with Damage, each of us embarked on unique journeys outside the limelight. These paths, in numerous ways, mirror the personal development and life wisdom we gleaned from our time together as a group.

Currently, Rahsaan functions as the deputy head of an alternative learning institution (ALI), assisting students who struggle in traditional educational settings.

Noel assists Carers Choices, a charitable organization, by providing essential aid to individuals caring for their family members.

In the course of her journey, Jade found a deep-rooted enthusiasm for culinary arts and turned it into a career as a skilled chef. Meanwhile, she also delved into real estate matters.

For more than ten years, Andrez worked with children within the justice system, primarily under the auspices of the local government. Later on, he founded his own non-profit organization dedicated to this cause.

He’s now an organisational consultant, working within the NHS.

Damage is getting ready for its largest headlining performance in more than a decade, marking three decades since their initial debut.

On December 5, 2025, the legendary R&B ensemble is set to perform live again at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire for a unique anniversary concert.

Regarding the eagerly awaited performance, the collective expressed on Instagram: “Our fans have showered us with incredible affection, and we’re thrilled to perform at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire stage next December for our most significant headline show in a decade, marking 30 years as a group.

Get ready for an unforgettable event! We’re thrilled to announce that Kele Le Roc and Manny Norte will be here, along with some other great talents. This is a party you definitely don’t want to skip!

The tickets became available for purchase in November, but the number is now restricted for those fans who are yet to secure their chance to be there.

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2025-07-06 11:21

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