Etana, born Shana Mckenzie on May 22, 1983 in Kingston, is a singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Etana is a Swahili word from West Africa which means “The Strong One”.
Career
In 2007 while working with reggae singer Richie Spice as a backup vocalist, she recorded and released her first single “Wrong Address” which quickly rose to number one in Jamaica. Her debut album “The Strong One”was released in 2008 by VP Records and featured “Wrong Address” as well as the hits ‘I Am Not Afraid” and “Roots”.
In 2011 she released her second album ‘’Free Expressions” which featured the single ‘People Talk”
Her third album entitled “A Better Tomorrow” was released on February 26, 2013 in Kingston. The collection was recorded at Bob Marley’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios and produced by Shane Brown. The single “Reggae“ is bound to become a major success.
Latest Album
In October, 2014 she released her fourth album called I Rise. The album was produced by Clive Hunt. The album includes a cover of the 1968 Wailers song “Selassie Is The Chapel” and the 1979 hit “Steppin’ Out A Babylon” by Marcia Griffiths.
Albums
The Strong One (2008)
Free Expressions (2011)
Better Tomorrow (2013)
I Rise (2014)