Twelve-year-old Jamaican-Canadian singer and actress Jazmin Headley stunned the crowd with her powerful rendition of the Black National Anthem ahead of Claressa Shields’ undisputed heavyweight title win over Lani Daniels on Saturday, July 26, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Jazmin’s mother, Deborah Headley, told Caribbean Life on Monday, July 28, that the Jamaican-Canadian prodigy, who played a young Claressa in the film “The Fire Inside,” received “roaring applause from the sold-out crowd of 15,000 plus.”
Jazmin added, “When the crowd started to sing with me, it was a big wow moment.
“This was history — mostly Black women in the crowd supporting each other,” she said.
While Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and professional boxer from Flint, Michigan, retained her title by unanimous decision, the family said Headley’s performance left a lasting emotional impact.
“I get nervous, but I don’t fold,” said Jazmin, crediting advice to her father, Mark Headley.
Deborah Headley added: “It was incredible to see a sold-out arena respond the way they did. The energy, the unity—it was unforgettable.”
Jazmin shared that she recently recorded a track featuring singer Richie Stephens and DJ Bounty Killer, which, she said, will continue her artistic growth.
“As her mentor, Bounty prepares for a show in Toronto soon,” Deborah Headley said. “Fans may also get another surprise appearance from Jazzy (Jazmin).”
