Etana (musician)

Etana
Etana performing in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Shauna McKenzie
Born	May 22, 1983, Kingston, Jamaica
Genres	reggae, gospel
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, record producer, guitarist
Years active	2000-present
Labels	VP Records
Website	Etana's Myspace

Shauna McKenzie (born May 22, 1983, Kingston, Jamaica) known commonly as Etana is a reggae singer from Jamaica. Her debut album "The Strong One" was released in June 2008.

Biography

Born Shauna McKenzie, the only girl in a family of boys, Etana grew up in the eastern Saint Andrew community of August Town where she currently resides. Her vocal talent was discovered when she was six years old and was overheard singing along to a 1991 hit by the group Air Supply.

Etana migrated to the U.S in 1992. She went on to attend Broward Community College with the intention of becoming a registered nurse.

Beginnings (2000-2005)

Following her decision to prematurely exit college in 2000, Etana joined a female vocal group named Gift. At the time Universal Records was interested in their music so Etana reluctantly agreed to wear the skimpy outfits dictated by the music industry’s pervasive stereotyping of female artists; then one day, she could no longer conform.

Etana returned to her Kingston birthplace; music still beckoned but this time, it had to be done on her terms. Etana wanted to deliver dignified, emboldening words shaped by her embracement of Rastafarian principles, which include a royal representation of women, adhering to a natural lifestyle, and an acknowledgment of the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Emperor Haile Selassie I. That opportunity arrived in 2005 when a friend brought her to Kingston’s Fifth Element Records, who were then enjoying success with Richie Spice’s single “Earth A Run Red” and his album “Spice In Your Life”. Spice was heavily booked for American and European tours; Etana auditioned to become one of his backup vocalists and so impressed Spice’s management team, she was immediately asked to accompany the Rastafarian singer on his tour dates. Etana gained invaluable experience as a member of Spice’s entourage performing throughout Europe and North America.

The Strong One (2007-2009)

While in the studio with the guitarist and percussionist from Spice's band, Etana put together the song that heralded her arrival Wrong Address. Audaciously fusing acoustic folk with roots reggae rhythms and strains of neo soul influences Wrong Address was based on the experience of Etana’s aunt being told to lie about where she lived in order to gain employment.

The compelling single, which resonated^{[citation needed]} with many hard working Jamaicans who live in poor communities that are further stigmatized because of gang related violence, was duly rewarded with heavy radio rotation, reaching the number 1 position on several Jamaican charts. Etana’s second major hit Roots was inspired by her travels to Africa (her very first solo performance was in the West African nation of Ghana where she was showered with overwhelming adulation).

The remainder of songs on The Strong One presents an eclectic mix of Etana’s ideas and influences, which include veteran soft-rock duo Air Supply, the queen of country-kitsch Dolly Parton, the king of reggae Bob Marley and the cultural efforts of Sizzla Kalongi.

Etana was nominated for the 2008 MOBO Awards, to be held in October 2008.

Discography

• The Strong One (2008)
• Free Expressions (2011 Feb)

External links

• Etana's Website
• Etana's Myspace