-Etana –

Ms. Etana, The angelic voice of Reggae Music. I must first say thank you
for taking the time to chat with me.I have always wanted to know... Does the name Etana have a significant
meaning and if so what is it?

The name Etana means the strong one in Swahili.

How did Etana get her start is the music Business?

I was a back up singer for Richie Spice for the year of 2005.People started asking "who was the girl" all the time then management
decided they wanted to make me into a solo artist. Took me some time but
eventually I gave in and wrote my first two songs, wrong address and time.

The first song I've ever heard from you was "Wrong Address" and I just
love. I also heard that it was based on a true story. Can you share a
little of that with us?

My aunt applied for a job and was denied.  I was on tour with Richie
Spice in Miami so I stopped by my house.  Decided to watch a movie called
life and death about the system in Jamaica.  In the middle of the movie my aunt called and told me she was denied a job she so desperately needed. Said on the way out she told the secretary "it nuh look like mi get the job" secretary asked her to see the application and told her next time not to use a garrison address on the application.  Hurt me so much the lyrics came out with tears.

I've seen you perform at ICM fest in Florida and Irie Jamboree in New
York. Your performances are always so heart felt and I can feel the energy when you perform. What is it like for you when you perform in front of thousands of people?

Love performing or vibing with my people. 

Can you describe for us the differences between Etana the Artist and Etana the everyday woman?

I am the same wherever I go.  When there is me time, I love read or chill with my son or relatives even my other half.

How has family life changed since you have become Etana the international
Star?

Hard to find time the way I would like to but the work continues, thanks to the most high, my work is my play.

You have accomplished so much as an artist and have come a long way in a
short time, is there anything that you would change if you could?

No because everything I have been through has made me who I am today, spiritually and all. 

I have observed that you are very involved in the community, and I read somewhere that you plan on starting a Youth Driven Foundation. Can you
elaborate a little on that?

Yeah I do plan to start a youth driven foundation to help those who
cannot afford higher education or even a trade.

Your self titled album is wonderful and I absolutely love "Warriors Love"
amongst others, but what were some of the influences in writing the songs
on that album?

Just real life experiences.

Are you currently doing a tour or planning one and if so, where will it be taking you and how can your fans get more information about it?

When all the tour dates are confirmed, they will be posted on myspace.
The website etanathestrongone.com is still under construction.

When can the fans expect the next Etana album?

The album should be done between June to August of this year 2010.

Who are some of the producers are artists that you will be working with on your new album?

I am not sure which of the collaboration will make it on the album but some of the producers are; Kemar Mcgregger, Carl James, Relle, and Steven Stanley,just to name a few.

What advice can you give to anyone trying to get into the music industry?

Believe in you first, know what you want to accomplish and don't
expect an easy ride.

Any last words of encouragement that you would like to leave for your fans?

My words are never last cause music is life and life is music.  I will
say before i complete this interview though that one must love himself or
herself for who they really are.   Teach people how to treat you but being a living example and know everything is possible if you think it is.