Etana Interview

Had she stuck to her guns and became a nurse, maybe the lucky staff and patients and a Florida hospital or doctor's office would be privy to the clear, powerful and heavenly voice of this week's interviewee. Well thank God that didn't happen! Etana took a leap of faith and pursued a career as an artist and hasent looked back since!!!!

She was born Shauna McKenzie in the hillside community of August Town situated in the South Eastern side of Jamaica. The only daughter of a fairly large family of boys, she attended school locally up until 1992 when she migrated to Miami Florida.

It was while studying at Broward Community College, Etana's passion for music heightened and she delved into creating new sounds from a host of genres she had embraced over the years, including Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop and Jazz. Her first attempt to make music a career was in 2000 when she prematurely exited college and joined the girl group GIFT. She played her part (you know every girl in a group as a role right, just check Destiny's Child) but it just wasn't her to have this uber sexy diva image. And her strength shone through. She quit- on the set of their lead single video no less. Oprah would say she had an "ah-ha" moment.

She went back home to Jamaica, the land of her birth, the place that could let her be whatever she determined she wanted to be, the land of second chances. But she had to keep it real now, so she started an Internet Cafe- most musicians starting off have a 9-5, eh. In 2005 that 2nd chance finally came when a friend took her to Fifth Element Records and she auditioned to be Richie Spice's back up singer. Of course she was hired on the spot (dis gyal can saaang) and went on tour.

Her first hit "Wrong Address" was created while on tour with Spice's band, while in the studio with the percussionist and guitar player. Such a simple song, with great imagery and moving lyrics, it was no surprise that in 2006 the tune was on airways all over the globe. After that was her next single "Roots"- as equally stirring. Just look at the chorous : "Yuh cyan water down and dilute/Yuh cyan hide de trut from de yutes/ yuh can steal de fruit not the root/cause di yutes a hol dem roots."

She continues to use her music to impress on all who listen the need to see women as royal, as naturally beautiful and at the same time strong and powerful. She speaks of poverty, and social oppression as well. The beauty of it all is that though she speaks of serious issues, the music and melodies are so captivating that people let down all barriers and embrace the message and the music.

Etana has performed around the globe and in her beloved Jamaica at festivals such as Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, ATI Live Concert, Irie Jamboree, Welcome to Jamrock and Guinness Sting, and Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. In 2008 she performed at the Olympic Grand Gala for the Jamaican Beijing Atheletes and the Reggaelution concert in December of the same year.

She has garnered awards such as Best Female Vocalist at both the Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards and the IRIE FM Radio Awards, for Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist copped at the 1st annual Reggae Academy Awards for which she had nominations in 3 separate categories. Her debut album “The Strong One” which won the coveted “Album Of The Year” Award at the 2009 EME Awards.This Sunday while performing in Dominica she won Best Female Vocalist and Best Album at the 28th International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in New York.

Tune in toher new website www.etanastrongone.com to check out her new singles "Caltariba System", “Free” and "Blessings (ft. Alborosie)"as well as some old favorites!


Royal daughter, soul stirrer...Etana you are officially Lime Certified!!!!






Q&A

1. Do you have a nickname?
No just Etty-short for Etana

2. Do you have a hobby?
Reading and being by the river.

3.Ever had a weird fan moment?
Almost got kissed on the mouth once, and someone took off my bracelet another time.

4. Can you name your top three places you want to visit in the next year?
Japan, Zimbabwe, Australia

5.Wha is your best/worst trait?
My love for people.

6. What are the top three songs in your I-Pod?
Robin Thicke- "Complicated"
Pink- "So What"
"I Am Not Afraid"

7. Have you ever faced discrimination as an artist in any way?
No

8. Do you see yourself as a role model?
Everyday

9. Are there any misconceptions about you you want to clear up?
I don't smoke anything

10. If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
To shut up people when they talk too much and to balance the world making everyone rich.



Go With Your Gut...

11. Orville Thomas (Da'Ville) or Orville Burrelll (Shaggy)?
Orville Thomas

12.Sea Bath or Hot Spring?
Both

13. Knowledge or wisdom?
Both

14. MoBay or Kingston?
Kingston

15. Text or Email?
Both





Finish It....

16. I love my son, mother, music, books.

17. When I am down I pick myself up by singing or writing a song

18. Condoms-definitely.

18. I love it when people sing along and are positive.

19. Etana-The Strong One.

Check out her new song "Who Gave You The Right" on the New Chapter Riddim, produced by Stephen "Di Geniu" McGregor.


www.etanastrongone.com
www.myspace.com/etanastrongone
www.thesolidagency.com