Rebel Salute 30
Etana grateful for Rebel Salute, says she won't stop singing
Published:Sunday | January 21, 2024 | 4:51 AM
Songbird Etana blessed the Rebel Salute stage with sweet melodies early Sunday morning, maintaining the nostalgic mood of the crowd who were heard singing along to her most popular hits, like I Am Not Afraid, My Man, and I Rise.
Speaking with The Gleaner, The Strong One expressed gratitude for Rebel Salute, commenting on the evolution of the 30-year-old-event. “I’ve seen the stage get bigger, I’ve seen things more organised, I’ve seen, just like everything else, the growth in it. And, I think it’s great. Plus when you look around and see all the red, green and gold… it makes you feel like you’re part of something great.
“I am grateful for Tony Rebel, I don’t know but, I’ve never felt like this before. I’ve never felt this grateful before… Because when I look around, I can think of many festivals that I used to do that are not here any more.
Recalling some of her favourite memories from Rebel Salute, the People Talk singer mentioned all the performances she has ever done at the event, along with watching other artistes perform and contributing to keeping reggae alive.
MORE VOCALS
This time around, her set focused more on vocals, as opposed to the usual added touches on stage.
“I just wanted to sing. I just wanted people to see and feel where I’m coming from…to feel the message in the music and get it. And I didn’t want them distracted by anything.”
With a new album on the horizon, Etana cleared the rumours of it being her last album.
“No!”she began while chuckling, “Nuff people a seh ‘Oh, she aguh stop sing’ No! I just feel like me wah continue drop singles. If I feel like dropping the EP or if I feel like dropping the album I will; and If I feel like doing an album another time I will. But, at the moment I just want to drop singles.
“I’m never going to stop singing. This is what I’m born to do, this is my purpose. And, the message is in the music. So my purpose is to drive the message home and to remind people to stay strong, to never give up, to rise above it all and to not be afraid. I just want to make people’s burdens lighter as they go through life.