Poetic Etana set for Calabash

The Calabash International Literary Festival is known for being earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse. This explains why its Calabashment concert has been a part of its programme every year.

On Friday, Calabashment 2010 will feature Etana and Freddie McGregor along with the SANE band at Jake's in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. Like all events at Calabash 2010 - including readings and film screenings - Calabashment 2010 will be free.

Etana is one of the most refreshing performers. Her 2008 debut CD The Strong One was a smash in Jamaica and many other parts of the world, yielding hits such as Roots, Don't Forget, and the folk-inspired Wrong Address, which was released as a single in 2007. Born Shauna McKenzie, she grew up in a family of boys in east Kingston.

As one of the most poetic storytellers to emerge out of Jamaica in recent times, Etana is a perfect fit for Calabash.

What is the secret to her songwriting skill? What goes on in her mind? To find out, we picked Etana's brain as she prepares to be a part of the 10th anniversary of Calabash.

What are some of your favourite books?

Two of my favourite books are The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

Who are some of your favourite songwriters?

Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley.

What were you like as a 10-year-old?

As a 10-year-old? I thought I was grown, wanted to do everything my way, very independent, tomboyish and very smart.

Where do you want your career to be in the next 10 years?

More internationally known and doing great things according to the will of my heart, and the will of the Most High.

If you were asked to write a song about one of the 10 Commandments which one would you choose?

I am the Lord thy God and thou shalt not have any strange gods before me.

If you had to listen to one song for the next 10 years what would it be?

Live and Love Life written by me.

Of Freddie McGregor's many top 10 songs, which one is your favourite?

That would be Prophecy.

Of Bob Marley's many top 10 songs, which is your favourite?

There are a few, but I'll have to say Natural Mystic as my first.

What are 10 things that you find hard to live without?

I find it hard to live without my Bible, praying, my BlackBerries, computer, brushing my teeth, clothes, water, food, a pen or pencil, a journal.

It's now 10 minutes before you take the stage at Calabash - what's going through your mind?

The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear ... or Psalm 91.