www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 4, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 37 MUSIC Etana’s story began in a place she considers a breeding ground for musicians: Kingston, Jamaica. Born there as Shauna McKenzie, her 2008 debut album The Strong One is a proclamation of who she is and who she no longer is, and her works have continued to express life’s changes. There is an inner strength and resilience throughout. “I want them to hear life. I want them to hear joy, love, pain, our struggles and I want them to hear the positive message in every song,” Etana says of her message to listeners. Prior to launching her own reggae singer-songwriter career, Etana performed with a rock band. While she acknowledges that the leaders and managers of that band had a good vision for its direction, how she was asked to display herself wasn’t how she wanted people to see her. “I don’t feel like to do music you have to be naked,” she explains. “When you’re doing music you have to sing and write what you feel.” Following that instinct, Etana was ready to leave the music industry entirely. But a stint as a background vocalist for Richie Spice in 2006 gave her the opportunity she needed. Spice’s producers asked her to write a song on her own, and “Wrong Address” eventually landed on what would become her debut album. Though it’s listed as track 13, it was the starting point for her own career. The lyrics are a social commentary about a woman who applied for a job but never got it because of where she lived. Now Etana is approaching her second decade of recording and performing around the world. Twice she has been nominated for Grammys in the Best Reggae Album category. Two albums—I Rise and Reggae Forever— topped the charts. For her current tour, she’s focusing on smaller venues, such as Deja Blue in Seaside. It’s Etana’s first swing through California in six years. While she has played at Cali Roots, there is a greater intimacy in settings such as Deja Blue. Etana recalls meeting a fan recently who had followed her career since the beginning. He told her, “I’m almost 80 and I’m just so happy to see you now.” “Those are the best moments for me,” she says. Etana performs at 8pm, Friday, Oct. 30. Deja Blue, 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside. $20/in advance; $25/at the door. (831) 324-0044, dejabluelive.com. COURTESY OF FREEMIND MUSIC On Message Etana takes her tour to smaller venues, returning to California to perform at Deja Blue. By Sloan Campi Etana approaches her musical career fearlessly. Since her debut album in 2008, she makes a point to always say exactly what she feels in her songs.
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