Reggae music has birthed yet another rarity- a spirited and soulful singer/songwriter in the eloquent and enchanting empress Etana! In just one short year, Etana has been hailed as one of the burgeoning new and sensational sound in the roots Reggae era.

This young woman, a small one at that, in a largely male-dominated industry makes her presence even more powerful. Her debut single, Wrong Address, co-written with Sean Element and released in the spring of 2006 has created waves throughout the music scene. The recognition is attributable to her unique and expressive vocals which envelope the song, as well as the song's lyrical content.

To catch her in performance is to experience an intriguing mix of the sultry and meditative - her body sways and dances as her voice soars and her musical testimonies are as edifying as they are captivating. Etana's beginnings are humble, but influence greatly her intense passion for music and the sense of maturity and respect with which she approaches her art. With her roots sunk deep in August Town, Jamaica, the home base of Reggae icon Sizzla, but her feet physically planted in Miami, Florida after migrating there with her family at 9 years old, Etana tried to succeed in the music business as a member of the all girl pop group Gift. It was not until she returned to the source, uncannily to start up an internet caf.. with a friend in the busy Kingston metropolis that her lifelong dream began to be realized. She scored an audition with Fifth Element Records, the management company largely responsible for launching the careers of Richie Spice and Chuck Fender. Floored by her powerful and sometimes raspy alto voice, the Fifth Element management team immediately asked her to join Richie Spice's touring party as a backing vocalist.

The ensuing fifteen months would see Etana stepping up and out to soak up some of the stage lights, gracing stages in Europe and North America and independently in Africa. Wrong Address struck a resounding chord with Reggae enthusiasts and still receives heavy radio rotation. Her most recent single Money released in the summer of summer 2006 has proved to be a radio friendly hit. From reggae and pop to rock and jazz, her musical influences are varied and though she is not one to subscribe to labels, Etana describes her brand of music as reggae soul - "It is straight from the heart, straight from the soul, straight from the people and everyday life". Operating now from both Solid Agency, the leading Caribbean entertainment events & artiste Management Company and the iconic Fifth Element Records, expect the release of Etana's debut album, which is still untitled in the spring of 2007. In the mean time her third single, Youths, though not officially released, has already begun to enjoy popularity as evidenced from her live performances. Prepare yourself for the Etana Experience! -http://www.myspace.com/etanastrongone

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The woman known as Etana...

Who would've thought that a song done in a rehearsal room at Fifth Element would blow up and place a backup singer firmly in the limelight? Well, Etana didn't. Her hit song, Wrong Address has been released to great acclaim and has created such a buzz that she is now in huge demand.

The hit song was written after her aunt applied for a job and was rejected, but someone in the office advised her that, the next time she's applying for a job, she should use a different address. "The reception from the people has been good. I feel blessed and because of the stigma attached to women, I didn't know I'd be accepted," said Etana.

Since then, she has written and recorded several other tunes (Roots, Time, Hypocrite and Money) that have been well-received. She recently shot a video on location in Belvedere for Roots, which was directed by NaLa Shack. "Well, the song is about manipulation and corruption of the youths through cartoons, you know; being taught that cutting of your hair is 'presentable'."

I am inspired to write my songs by people as well as persons from the past like Nanny. I also draw inspiration from the thoughts and dreams of Marcus Garvey and Fuzzy Ital from St. Thomas who believed that black people are powerful and are not to look up to anyone but ourselves," said a reflective Etana.

Always seeking to be an inspiration to others, Etana sees herself in the next five years, "still doing a lot of shows and taking the time out to counsel the future young women of the world, and even though I haven't been college taught I have been taught street counselling." Etana believes that everyone should be taught how to love themselves and she is willing and ready to take on her role to "teach the youths the things that mom and dad won't talk about so that we can become a better and stronger nation."

She will consider herself successful when she has travelled the world and "Etana" is a household name. At this stage in her life, she hopes to open "Etana's Educational Centre for young girls and boys" where everything from etiquette to mannerisms and even trade skills are taught.

Etana is quick to admit that she is a nice person until "someone steps on her toes". She is also aware that many persons believe that she has an attitude but she is adamant that she doesn't - "When I'm in the rehearsal room or in the studio, I'm all about music. It is my passion and I cherish it so I'm not smiley person when I'm working."