Media StudiesMagazine double page spread before it was uploaded to the actual final pieceCrystal: Good evening Etana talks about her rise to fame after following the inspiration of Bob Marley. Overcoming barriers are what inspires us to strive in order to continue our musical journeys; nothing can stop your progress.Etana whos legal name is Shauna McKenzie, aged 31 was born in Kingston Jamaica, Etanas first reggae debut album was called the strong one it was released in 2008. Etana has been a musical inspiration to females and her vocal career, she was first part of a vocal group called Gift, however that was short lived and thus she began her own career.Crystal: How old were you when music started to become an interest?I first began to take an interest in music was when I was 5, I use to get the remotes or use an empty plastic bottle in order to sing, by continuously doing so I improved my skills because I was constantly singing and trying to improve my vocal levels in order to achieve the best sound I could, at the time when I was only 5 I didnt really know what genre of music I wanted to get into, but when you trust in God anything is possible and thus through the duration of my childhood I figured out I enjoyed soulful music and music in which you can relate to in a positive way.Crystal: Etana what motivated you to the genre of music you produce?My young ambition was to be a nurse, however I had the natural talent of becoming an inspiration and music can help people whatever difficulties they may be going through in their life Being the only female within the family I felt that I needed a voice to voice my opinions, in order to progress and reach out to other young females. I believe in having a change to freely express yourself without the negativity of society because in order to find yourself, you need to have a way of expressing yourself which will improve your self-development and concept and Etana believed that music allows you to do so. Crystal: Do you write you own music?At first I started out being a backup singer for Richie Spice which meant everything I had been singing steps from his music and not my own, however the effort which was put into my vocals helped me to progress in the music industry and thus becoming more known by working with key legends in the industry, however now I am writing my own music due to experience which I have been through and how I have progressed from them.Crystal: Have you ever gotten nervous whilst performing?Personally I think all musicians have and are still nervous before a performance because they just want it to be right and they like the type of music which they offer to relate to the audience and in order to get a good response from fans, an artist knows that there delivery must be intense.Crystal: Readers who have not listened to your music before, what would you recommend them to listen to first?The first I would recommend my audience to listen to is People talk because I feel like a lot of people have been through the same experiences which I have talked about within that song e.g. never let get you down, never let them see you frown as a fellow old reggae artist may say is dont take my kindness for weakness a lot of people today feel like when people are nice its a weakness and that they should take advantage of it.Crystal: Why do you think that your music has inspired people all over the world?I think my music has inspired people because we have all got that point within our lives which we may allow us to feel down due to being confronted by various things which helps to stress our brains and be confronted by the stresses of life, I feel like we all need to confront them and be stronger and not let them get us down.Crystal: Do you have any personal contacts in the music industry?I have various people in the industry which I could collaborate with and who would love to collaborate with me, however its not just about music friendships have also been made during tours and preforming with other artist because youre constantly being invited to the same kinds of shows.Crystal: What are the reasons behinds songs such as I am not afraid?The reason behind I am not afraid and sometimes with all of my music is I want to create a positive vibe for my fans and I would like them not to go through struggles thinking there alone when they are not, its better to feel like people are with you instead of the constant dear that youre not strong enough like others, I think it is better to create positive memories, pass situation should allow you to feel more empowered because in life you are going to go through all sorts obstacles and we should always focus on the positives of life and not the negatives.Crystal: How important is music to you?Music is important to me, from a young age I use to find myself writing songs and poetry in my science lectures and then figuring out which types of songs I was into was a turning point which enabled me to find the right lyrics and melody of what I wanted to do and the roots which my songs are based off which would also because I have stuck to my roots people will be able to see that all my songs are genuine and that I have not as an artist forgotten where I have started from in life.Interviewed by Crystal Alicia Campbell