Etana The Strong One Readies For Launch!
Every so often in music we are afforded a rare blessing, an artist who possesses what I deem the musical trinity. First and foremost the artist can sing, the artist challenges our auditory mediocrity, and lastly heightens our consciousness of self and society. Meet reggae’s latest blessing: Etana.
Born in the August Town community of Kingston, Shauna McKenzie Etana (which means strong one), was the only girl in a family of several boys, and spent her early childhood walking the same streets as August Town’s most famous resident, Sizzla . Etana and her family eventually moved to Miami when she was 9, where she went on to graduate from high school and began to study nursing. During this time she began to really explore and enjoy music, and joined the girl group GIFT, but later quit the group after rejecting the industry pressures to conform to stereotypical images of women.
In 2004 she returned to Jamaica with plans of opening open an internet cafe, but a chance run-in with the production company, Fifth Element Productions (home to Richie Spice), resulted in her auditioning and being offered a immediate spot as a background vocalist for Richie Spice on his next tour. Etana spent this time honing her vocal and performance skills in preparation for her chance at individual success. In 2006 she released the single, “Wrong Address”, a song in which she addresses the hardships and discrimination that many receive because of stereotypes concerning where they live. The song was an immediate hit, and instantly propelled Etana from back-up singer to solo artist.
Etana’s skills on the acoustic guitar and sweet lyrics were given full attention on subsequent hits like the love song “Warrrior Love”, “I Am Not Afraid” and “Roots”, a song in which she condemns the superficial trappings of everyday society and implores the youth to stay true to their Rastafarian roots. Her long awaited debut album “The Strong One” drops next week (June 17th) on VP Records, and is guaranteed to propel this rising star even further into reggae stardom. You can hear song snippets, see videos, and pre-order the CD here. Check out the above video in which she explains her inspiration for “Wrong Address” and discusses the influence of music on young people.
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reggae’s NEWEST CORONER I REALLY READY FOR LAUNCH ‘NO DOUBT THE STRONG ONE’ ETANA
Phillip,
Thanks for stopping by!
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