Etana, whose real name is Shauna McKenzie, is a Jamaican reggae singer born on May 22, 1983, in Kingston, Jamaica. She grew up in the August Town community of Kingston and started her music career in the early 2000s, initially performing as a backing vocalist for other artists.
Etana gained international recognition in 2008 with her debut album “The Strong One,” which features a blend of roots reggae, soul, and R&B influences. The album was critically acclaimed and received several awards, including the Reggae Album of the Year at the 2009 International Reggae and World Music Awards.
She continued to release successful albums, including “Free Expressions” in 2011 and “I Rise” in 2014, which features collaborations with some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall music, including Busy Signal and Jo Mersa Marley.
Etana is known for her soulful and powerful vocal style and her socially conscious lyrics that often touch on issues such as poverty, discrimination, and social injustice. She has been hailed as one of the leading female voices in reggae music and has performed at many of the top reggae festivals around the world.
In addition to her music career, Etana is also an advocate for mental health and has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety. She is involved in several charitable organizations and has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote positive change in Jamaica and beyond.
