3 weeks ago
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International recording artiste and two-time Grammy nominee Etana has once again captured the spotlight with her new single Mirror, produced by renowned hitmaker Kemar McGregor, also known as the ‘Billboard King’. The music video premiered on Wednesday on Worldstar Hip Hop and Hollywood Unlocked and has already gained attention, and according to the People Talk artiste, “Them (fans) love it bad! [And] the haters, them busy from the minute it dropped! Them active, especially in the background.”
A standout from her usual catalogue, Mirror is a hard-hitting dancehall track where Etana delivers powerful lyrics aimed at her detractors, boldly stating, “ Dem a watch me and me nah study dem”.
Speaking with The Gleaner about the inspiration of the song, the artiste explained that “ Mirror stands out because I am more known as a roots-reggae artiste, but I am an artiste; and Mirror is a reflection of my roots, Jamaica, where reggae and dancehall music is from, so it came naturally. What inspired the song is a post someone sent me from a blog site, where fans of the blog site were discussing whether my rear end in my nice, tight, blue jeans was real,” she said with a laugh, adding, “ You ask whether fans can expect more boldness? Well, I have always been bold and outspoken, but fans should always expect authenticity and diversity from me. “
Although the track responds to critics, Etana wants listeners to stay true to themselves and celebrate being authentic, unapologetic, and fearless. As for the video, it takes viewers on a visual journey, complementing the song’s message of resilience and self-reflection.
As one of the few Jamaican female artistes to be nominated for a Grammy, Etana has consistently pushed boundaries. Her work with McGregor on this track showcases her authenticity and versatility, and she is always happy to work with him.
“Working with Kemar from Free to Happy Heart, and I Am Not Afraid to Mirror, it needed the same Kemar. He has a big love for music and is very creative. He knows exactly how to ignite the energy in anyone,” she shared.
With the release of her latest album Nectar of the Gods earlier this year, Etana remains grateful to her talented team, whom she credits for the album’s success. She recently submitted the new album for Best Reggae Album in next year’s Grammy Awards.
Sharing what it would mean to receive a nomination or even to win, Etana said, “It would mean that I have to work harder on my next project. But really, it would be a great feeling to be nominated.”
Nectar of the Gods tackles hot-button social issues like suicide, love, new age spirituality and faith. Standout collaborations on the album include Jah Never Fail, featuring Big Youth; Set up Yourself, featuring Shatta Wale; Inna di Ghetto with Bugle; and Vibration, featuring Randy Valentine.
Etana is currently on tour in the UK, giving British and Jamaican fans a taste of the album and her well-loved hits.
English (US) ·