Articles
The Strong One, Etana steps away from the “roots reggae” mould in which she has been cast and digs deep into her soul to pour out this homily, Free. Prayerful, yet simultaneously possessing a hard-edged reality that evokes a wide range of emotions, Free is a song of empowerment, of freedom, of survival and struggle, yet tinged with that echoing wail of frustration. One thing I know, is that I must survive, one thing I know, is that I must rise. I know one day I must and I will free myself from everything that holds me captive.
Not surprisingly, Free is produced by 2008 EME award winning reggae producer, Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor, whose body of work reflects his stated aim to give the world music that endures. The youthful Flava has worked with the best in the reggae music business, including Beres Hammond and Marcia Griffiths, and it’s almost a given that his genius and Etana’s talent would find a common musical meeting ground
“Everyday I rise on a prayer, that’s all I got to take me through … I know one day I must and I will free myself from everything that holds me captive. Gonna be free …”
