Grammy-nominated reggae artiste, Etana, is all smiles these days. She has a new album in the works, and she just unveiled the plaques for her best-selling Billboard Reggae chart-topping albums, ‘I Rise’ and ‘Reggae Forever’.
Etana gushed about the crowning achievements during a recent interview.
"There are a few achievements that I’ve kept quiet. I think having such a huge body of work is itself an achievement, but coming from August Town and realising your hard work paid off kinda hits different.... I used to see these plaques on TV or in major label offices... having two of my own... makes me feel good about the work I’ve done so far," she told Loop News.
Last week, she proudly unveiled her latest award on Instagram – the prestigious Billboard No 1 plaque for her 2014 album ‘I Rise’. The 14-track compilation made history at the time of its release, marking the first time in 17 years a Jamaican female reggae artiste topped Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart.
Etana has also received the plaque for her chart-topping, Grammy-nominated suite, 2018’s ‘Reggae Forever’, which catapulted her to be the first female reggae performer to occupy the Billboard Reggae Chart’s top spot consecutively, as well as the first female in over 20 years to be nominated for the Best Reggae Album Grammy award.
In a short IG clip released last week, Etana is seen unwrapping the plaque. She wrote a caption thanking everyone who contributed to the success of the album.
“‘Grateful’. Special thanks go out to all the musicians, writers, composers, producers on this album”, the Happy Heart singer wrote. “Thanks to all my fans who purchased and streamed the music! Thanks to all my band members who toured with me and promoted this album. #atown #etana #billboard.”
Etana’s latest album, ‘Pamoja’, features heavyweight collaborations with Vybz Kartel with a song called 'Baby O', and ‘Proppa’ with Afro-dancehall pioneer, Stonebwoy.
She is scheduled to perform at the Spread Love Reggae Festival in North Carolina, which is set for Saturday, May 29.
After an extended period without live shows, the event signals a return to large-scale live events, as the show promises outdoor vibes and a conscious line-up, including the likes of Edge Michael, nephew of the ‘Stepping Razor’, Peter Tosh.