ETANA
A music artist determined to stay true to herself

Etana, The Strong One, lived this title when she refused to conform to the music industry’s eagerness to use sex appeal to promote female musicians. At the time Universal Records was interested in her music, Etana did conform to what the label demanded, till she could no longer ignore her inner voice.

She returned to her Kingston birthplace where she worked with 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. Etana toured with Richie Spice, and was part of his entourage, performing throughout North America and Europe. She gained invaluable knowledge of the music industry through this opportunity, and scored a lucky break: It was the guitarist and percussionist from Spice's band who worked with Etana to put together the song that jumpstarted her career: Wrong Address.

Wrong Address was actually based on the experience of Etana’s aunt being told to lie about where she lived in order to gain employment. The compelling single resonates with many hard working Jamaicans who live in impoverished communities with a reputation for violence and find themselves unfairly stigmatized as a result. Wrong Address reached the number one spot on several Jamaican charts.

Since, Etana has worked through music to deliver dignified words that send a strong, positive message to Jamaicans and society. Her message is based on Rastafarian principles, which encourage royal treatment towards women and living a natural lifestyle with an acknowledgment of the teachings of Marcus Garvey, coupled with sage advice she has gathered from her grandmother in early childhood.

Belle: Do you consider yourself to be 'religious' or 'spiritual'?

Etana: Always spiritual, never religious.

Belle: You said in another interview that you were very influenced by your grandmother. In what ways did she influence you?

Etana: My grandmother taught me how to survive, how to deal with people, how to pray, how to be a woman and to believe in me. I also learnt how to be strong. I watched her raise six children with barely any money. She sent them to school and gave them what they needed without getting angry. Usually in those days when the bills piled up people would start drinking, arguing and abusing. My grandmother did none of that; she made it through with grace. So, when I get to the hardest point I still relax.

Belle: What are your fondest or most lucid memories of her?

Etana: Visiting Hope Gardens with her. I was certain to get ice-cream, though she didn’t have much to give in those days. She would tell jokes and anancy stories as we walked through the park. I still remember the story about “the old lady and the bee” that was really funny.

In the Caribbean, even in Africa, when a woman wants to go to the bathroom she may just squat in some bushes. My grandmother warned that that was not ladylike. The story was about an old woman on a journey who went under a tree to urinate and a wasp stung her there. That story stuck with me, so even now, I would never attempt that.

Belle: What memories did you take with you when you left Jamaica for the United States?

Etana: Mostly the ones of my grandmother’s warnings and mindfulness.

Belle: What were some other things that she warned you of?

Etana: She was adamant that people should not overstay their welcome, that even a one year old deserves respect and that your home should always be your comfort zone where you relax and not fight.

Belle: How did you adapt in the United States? Why did you return?

Etana: I adapted well over the years and returned to Jamaica to start an Internet café. But I got caught up in music again as a back-up singer for Richie Spice.

Belle: Of all the songs you’ve written, which is your favorite?

Etana: I write most of my songs. I’d say – I’m Not Afraid. It was written during a period where people wanted to make me different. I wanted to tell everyone that I’m not afraid of who I am.

Belle: You say that you remain true to the message in your music. How do you 'keep it real' and not get influenced by all that is out there?

Etana: What is out there sometimes is different from what goes on in your head. I tend to stay in my own little world.

Belle: You don't seem like a person who craves the spotlight. How do you deal with fame?

Etana: I love my fans and I see myself as a person just like them. The only difference is, I sing.

Belle: What is your most memorable encounter with a fan?

Etana: Once, I was sick and didn't want to do a show. I think was in Dublin or Cork and my back-up singer convinced me to go anyway. She said, "What you can't do, we will make up for." And after the show a woman came up to me, crying. She said she’d waited a long time to see me come to her country, and thanked me for being who I am. I hugged her and told her that I was grateful she was my fan. I told her that I loved her too and quickly left before the tears came down my face. I also remember meeting a few “little Etanas” on the way.

Belle: What’s the inspiration behind your new clothing line, RawSoul?

Etana: I wanted to flip a negative into a positive and play around with words while introducing style and quality. The collection is available on my website etanathestrongone.com as well as Spicy Couture, Collectibles, Stacie's shop at Half Moon Shopping Village and Secrets Hotel.

Belle: What is in store for you in the near future?

Etana: I will leave it up to the universe and the most high. My second album Free Expressions is on the way for February 2011 in addition to touring and all that good stuff.

- Danielle Watson