Etana Rocks UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival & More News

ETANA ROCKED UCLA JAZZ REGGAE FESTIVAL

Described by the associated press as prestigious and politically influenced, Etana delivered a stellar performance at the UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival in California. She belted out her hit tunes, Roots, Warrior Love and Blessings to the delight of a sold out crowd of over 11,000.

Dressed in a bright blue cotton skirt and matching T-Shirt branded ‘Raw Soul’, the conservative beauty crooned her rendition of the legendary tune, Don’t Let Me Down. Onlookers were thrilled by her amazing vocals.

Backed by, Detour Posse, her background vocalists Klyve and Tami were in full unison with their enthralling lead songstress. They created a well-harmonized, smooth and soulful set. For Jah Chariot, all hands were in the air showing full appreciation for the conscious filled lyrics shared with the massive Los Angeles audience.


The largest student run event in the US was held on Memorial Day with other top performers such as, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Q-Tip, Raphael Saadiq and Barrington Levy. The Festival saw its 24th staging where the ‘strong one’ represented well as an ambassador for Jamaica’s female talent.


ETANA SUPPORTS SOUL REBELLION'S SCHOOL BUILDING INITIATIVE

A humble and soulful Etana made her presence felt through a dynamic performance in Negril, Jamaica recently. Etana delivered a near one hour set with nothing short of stunning and electrifying music. She was in command with high-energy while the watching faces lit up with approval. The event dubbed “One Show, One School, One Love” is one part of a charity initiative which seeks to raise well needed funds to build and invest in education across several schools in Jamaica.

(The teams of soul Rebellion and Etana pose for photos-in the background autographed blocks from the buy-a block fund raising)

The soul rebellion promoters also accumulate funds through their ‘Buy– A– Block’ initiative. Individuals purchase blocks, which they autograph and the funds are then diverted to school building projects. Its most recent project aids the Orange Bay Basic School in Hanover, Westmoreland. By improving the conditions of Jamaican schools, ‘Soul Rebellion’s mantra is to ultimately foster education.
Etana has always been involved in initiatives that aspire to invest in Jamaica’s youth. She anxiously waits for an upcoming charity event in the US with soul rebellion, where she will be able to support in raising funds. Her intention is to encourage fans to donate to the worthy cause by attending the event on which she will perform.
The event series has been running since 2006, with other influential entertainers giving their support and includes, Shaggy, T.O.K., Sizzla, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Stephen Marley and I-Wayne. The organisers have expressed that, “over the years seeing the Buy-A-Brick program applied to solve practical problems, there is a lot more work that needs to be done. If we can achieve that goal, we will be able to knock out school after school, after school.” You too can donate through the website www.soulrebellion.com


“This album was produced a little differently from the first. Most of the sessions were less planned and more of a free vibe. Producers I worked with included Curtis Lynch from London, Kemar "Flava" McGreggor, Steven Stanley, Joel Chin, Specialist, and Alborosie. At times, there were glitches and some stumbling blocks but we managed to pull through” -Etana.

‘The Strong One’ continues to strengthen her appeal, as she braces for the release of her latest effort, Free Expressions. The highly anticipated album unveils this summer and features her chart toppers, ‘August Town’ and ‘Free’. To promote the new album, Etana embarks on her world tour that starts in Europe.

She currently reaps local and international chart success from her dedication to create meaningful music; she boasts the #1 spot on both of Hype TV’s charts (singles and videos). The single, ‘August Town’ is in the peak position as well as her video ‘Happy Heart’. Her success is clear on the charts of Reverbnation World, UK’s Choice FM, RE TV, Outaroad and stampede among others.
The Reggae songbird, who is among the headlining acts for Reggae Sumfest 2010, expressed that she feels blessed. She thanks her fans for been appreciative of her conscious lyrics and encourages them to continue with their support.