Etana makes Studio 38 debut next Friday

Etana, popularly dubbed 'The Strong One', will perform live at Studio 38 next Friday, September 30.

Her Studio 38 debut has been long in coming, as there have been many requests for Etana there. The venue on Trafalgar Road, New Kingston, has hosted the best of the best in Jamaican singers and deejays over the past year and a half, since John Holt first appeared there at the start of 2010. Studio 38 also hosted the final performance of reggae royalty, the 'Cool Ruler' Gregory Isaacs, when he appeared there in 2010, shortly before his passing.

Other persons who have performed at Studio 38 include Tarrus Riley, Ken Boothe, Lady Saw, Beres Hammond, Melba Moore, Freddie McGregor, U-Roy, Beenie Man, Tami Chynn, Tessanne Chin, Assassin, George Nooks, Tifa, Leroy Sibblies, Pinchers, Protege, Tanya Stephens, Mavado, Ernie Smith, Pinchers, Admiral Bailey, Denroy Morgan and Laza Morgan.

Etana grew up in the St Andrew community of August Town. 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 US in 1992 and went on to attend Broward Community College, with the intention of becoming a registered nurse.

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 required. Then, one day, she could no longer conform.

Etana returned to her Kingston birthplace and, while music still beckoned, it had to be done on her terms. Etana wanted to deliver dignified, emboldening words, which include a royal representation of women. That opportunity arrived in 2005 when a friend took 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.

Invaluable experience

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. Etana gained invaluable experience as a member of Spice's entourage, performing throughout Europe and North America.

While in the studio with the guitarist and percussionist from Spice's band, Etana put together the song that heralded her arrival - Wrong Address. Fusing acoustic folk with roots reggae rhythms and strains of neo-soul influences, the single was duly rewarded with heavy radio rotation, reaching the number-one position on several Jamaican charts. Etana's second major hit, Roots, was inspired by her travels to Africa, as her first solo performance was in the West African nation of Ghana.