On Sunday, May 31, roots reggae singer, Etana, made a bold step when she totally turned over her life to the Lord and got baptized.
Etana (born Shauna McKenzie), who came to prominence in 2005 with her debut single, Wrong Address, is known for her culturally chic wardrobe choices and her steadfast commitment to the tenets of Rastafari. In the video for her follow-up single Roots, the heroine — most reminiscent of the singer’s physical appearance — is depicted as a young woman opposed to the western ideologies her family subscribes to. This baptism at a Christian church has come a real shocker to those in the dancehall.
“Etana never really wear locks, but we look on her as one of we,” one prominent Rastafarian singer commented. “If she want to baptize she should go to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church … but to each his own,” he added, still looking displeased.
But, according to one religious source, Etana has been visiting the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston for some time now with a male friend who is a baptized member of the church.
“Some people believe the two of dem into things, but nobody never really expect her fi actually get baptize,” she told Yardflex.
Etana, who is seen as the heir apparent to Marcia Griffiths, has been hailed for her clean, conscious lyrics and has been touring extensively, especially since the release of her debut CD, The Strong One.
She could not be reached for comment. But for those who are wondering if the singer will now be singing gospel…the answer is no…she will continue to do her cultural songs.
