Impressive Jamaican Artist Etana’s Lifestyle, Biography and Music Career 

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Impressive Jamaican Artist Etana’s Lifestyle, Biography and Music Career
Shauna McKenzie, better known by her electrifying stage name Etana, is a powerhouse in the reggae music scene. Born on May 22, 1984, in Kingston, Jamaica, Etana grew up as the sole girl in a household full of boys in the vibrant August Town community of Saint Andrew. Her prodigious vocal talent was uncovered at the tender age of eight when she was caught belting out a hit from Air Supply. In 1992, Etana ventured to the United States, where she aimed to pursue a career in nursing, attending Broward Community College. However, destiny had grander plans for her.
In June 2008, Etana released her debut studio album, "The Strong One," which catapulted her into reggae stardom. Her powerful voice and soulful melodies earned her significant acclaim, culminating in Grammy nominations for Best Reggae Album at the 61st and 64th Annual Grammy Awards. Etana's journey from the streets of Kingston to international stages is a testament to her undeniable talent and relentless determination. Her music not only resonates with fans worldwide but also cements her legacy as one of reggae’s most influential female artists.
Career.
After deciding to leave college early in 2000, Shauna McKenzie, known by her stage name Etana, embarked on a musical journey that would redefine reggae music. Joining the female vocal group Gift, Etana initially faced the harsh realities of the music industry's expectations. Despite Universal Records' interest in their music, she reluctantly conformed to wearing revealing outfits, a stark contrast to her personal beliefs. This inner conflict eventually led her to make a bold decision: she returned to Jamaica to create music that resonated with her newfound Rastafari faith. This faith emphasizes a natural lifestyle and the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Emperor Haile Selassie I, promoting a regal representation of women.
Etana's opportunity came in 2005 when a friend introduced her to Kingston's Fifth Element Records, then basking in the success of Richie Spice's single "Earth A Run Red" and his album "Spice in Your Life." She successfully auditioned to become one of Spice's vocalists for his European and North American tours. During studio sessions with Spice's band members, Etana penned "Wrong Address," a poignant song reflecting her aunt's experience with job discrimination based on her address. The track, a fusion of acoustic folk, roots reggae, and neo-soul influences, resonated deeply with audiences, earning heavy radio rotation and topping several Jamaican charts.
Etana's second major hit, "Roots," was inspired by her travels to Africa, with her first solo performance taking place in Ghana. This track highlighted her ability to blend personal experiences with broader cultural themes, solidifying her place in the reggae world. Her debut album, "The Strong One," released in 2008, showcased an eclectic mix of influences, from Air Supply and Dolly Parton to Bob Marley and Sizzla. The album's success earned her a nomination for Best Reggae at the 2008 MOBO Awards, marking her as a rising star in the genre.
In 2011, Etana released her second album, "Free Expressions," followed by a European tour in 2012. Her third album, "Better Tomorrow," produced by Shane Brown, was recorded primarily at Tuff Gong studios and released in February 2013. Preceded by a US tour, the album continued to build her reputation as a formidable talent. In 2013, she collaborated with New Zealand singer Swiss on the duet "If Tomorrow Never Comes," which climbed to the number one spot on New Zealand's charts.