Etana

Etana is a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter from Kingston, Jamaica. Born Shauna McKenzie in 1983, she grows up in August Town in south-east Jamaica before moving to Miami, Florida, in 1992. She later studies at Broward Community College and initially plans to become a registered nurse before turning to music full time.

Early career

Etana first enters the music business in 2000 when she joins the girl group GIFT, which is being courted by Universal Records. She later leaves the group and returns to Jamaica, where she starts an internet cafe while continuing to pursue music in her own style.

Breakthrough as a solo artist

In 2005 she is brought to Fifth Element through a friend and auditions to become a backing vocalist for Richie Spice. Her performance impresses his management, leading to a run of shows in the United States and, over the following fifteen months, performances in Europe and North America.

Her debut single, “Wrong Address,” emerges from a session with members of Richie Spice’s band and becomes a major local hit in 2006, mixing jazz and reggae. She follows it with “Roots,” a song that combines African and reggae sounds with Jamaican Creole and becomes closely identified with the line “You can’t water down and dilute.”

Style and themes

Etana describes her music as coming from the heart and the soul, and her work is marked by messages aimed at young people, resistance to oppression and positive social commentary. Her sound draws on reggae, pop, hip hop, jazz and influences associated with singers such as Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Sizzla, Marcia Griffiths and Bob Marley.

Performances and recognition

By 2007 she is performing as a solo artist at major events including Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, ATI Live Concert, Irie Jamboree, Welcome to Jamrock and Guinness Sting. In 2008 she also appears at the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival.

She receives Best Female Vocalist awards at both the Excellence in Music & Entertainment Awards and the IRIE FM Radio Awards, as well as Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist at the first Reggae Academy Awards. She also receives nominations in three categories at that event.

Recordings and labels

Etana is associated with VP Records, where her debut album Etana The Strong One is slated for release. At the time of that release campaign she promotes the singles “Warrior Love” and “I Am Not Afraid.” She also owns Free Mind Music and The Best Records, and works with Solid Agency.