Multi-award winner and top charting billboard reggae songbird Etana left an endearing and lasting memory to the beautiful people of Kenya with her altruistic nature and God given talent.
Billed for the 2017 Dobba Fest alongside reggae stars Luciano and Richie Spice, the newly independent artist was excited to connect with her clamoring fans who have been asking for her for a long time. On her visit to Kenya the songstress was also on hand for worthy project benefiting the youths, a cause close to her heart. Etana and her fellow entertainers were on hand for the dedication of The Studio Mashinani Project by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru at the KBC transmission facility grounds along Kangundo road in Matungulu Constituency, Machakos County. The ceremony was also attended by several notables as Public Service ICT and Labour county Minister, Helena Kiilu, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts Hassan Wario among others.
Undoubtedly the highlight for the singer, was the Youth empowerment workshop, ” It was good to discuss music and what it takes to become successful in the industry. Sometimes information is best received when the receiver is ready to accept and the room was filled with young talented artiste and musicians eager to learn and ready to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Studio Mashinani. I appreciated the moment of sharing.”
The budding young artists soaked in the information, and by Etana’s story dared to believe in their dreams “Some of young artistes & musicians reminded me of myself when I just got in the industry, I didn’t know much about the business of music. The creative process feels much better when the writer or singer is innocent of the ills in the business of music.” explained Etana
Etana charmed her way into the hearts of Kenya with her visit at NTV Kenya, the leading television broadcasting station where shared laughs with hosts Larry Madowo and Njambi Koikai, and gave a special performance with Kenyan band Graviti on a spontaneous reggae mash up (https://youtu.be/eteHoSlP4tc)
On March 18th, underneath the Kenyan starry night, Etana took the stage to deliver a riveting performance with her distinguishable honey coated voice. The soulful siren gave patrons an hour full of hits, and had fans singing along to Jah Chariot, August Town, Mocking Bird, Reggae, People Talk, No No No, Blessing, Richest Girl, Wifey, I am Not Afraid and more.
“Dobba fest was just an amazing experience, this was my second time in Kenya and to be warmly received by over 10,000 screaming fans is unspeakable. You’d have to be there to see it. The performance time was about 11:20 pm and it started off with Jah Chariot and high screams from the fans continued as I got deeper in the set with songs like people talk, mocking bird, blessing, august town, Richest Girl and I’m not afraid to name a few. The performance was one hour long and ended with Better Tomorrow.” – Etana reflected of her experience.
Humbled her Kenyan journey, stated “Kenya is a beautiful place with beautiful people. Kenyans have a special love for reggae and I feel it, as you walk through the streets or turn on the radio. While sitting in the dressing room at The Churchill Show (Kenya’s night time comedy show with over 10 million viewers) The host Churchill said ” reggae was born in Jamaica but the spirit of reggae lives here”.
