Etana excited about latest album ‘Nectar of the Gods’
Published:Monday | July 15, 2024 | 12:08 AM
International recording artiste Etana is particularly proud of her latest album, Nectar of the Gods, a veritable smorgasbord of brilliantly curated music that tackles hot-button social issues like suicide, love, new age spirituality and faith.
“I started working on the Nectar of the Gods in 2022. I never had the name or a particular direction in mind. I just knew that I wanted to create more music that will last forever,” she said.
Nectar was called the divine drink consumed by the Olympian gods in ancient folklore. It had the magical property to confer immortality on any mortal who had the luck to drink it. Similarly, Etana wants anyone who listens to the album to be re-energised and tap into their own divine powers within.
“Music has the power to heal, uplift, inspire people to love, laugh, live ... dance. Music has taken generations through some of the hardest times in history. Music is sweet like honey. There is not a race or religion that can do without music. Music has to be the nectar of the gods. The nectar of the god in you and me,” she said.
Considered by insiders to be one of her most mature albums, Nectar of the Gods will be released via online platforms on July 26.
At first, Etana thought that this may just be her final album, but she realises that she doesn’t have the power to turn off the creative spigot.
“I thought to myself that this would be my final album but then again I am aware that my purpose is to inspire the world through music to make a positive impact which aids in making their journey lighter and I intend to do so until the Most High says I have done enough,” Etana said.
Etana released her first single, Don’t Give Up, followed by, Grateful, a horn-happy gem of a reggae song that preaches gratitude. She is particularly proud of Don’t Give Up, which acts as a salve to young women facing hardship, struggles and enduring abuse.
During the creative process of midwifing Nectar of the Gods to musical life, Etana found herself overwhelmed by her other duties, as she was juggling writing duties with her ongoing mommy duties and her frenzied copyright battle where she represented herself in the lawsuit between VP Records/Greensleeves’s et. al.
“I found it necessary to pause recordings to focus on telling my story to the court and when hired attorneys eventually appeared compromised, I had no choice to represent myself as a pro-se plaintiff. It was a top fight for my rights, and during this, I toured and did multiple shows,” the Strong One said.
The ultimate multi-tasker, Etana even managed to graduate from the Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor’s degree during this turbulent, busy period.
“I had my hands full but the main mission was accomplished and Nectar of the Gods is now here. I collaborated with Randy Valentine, Shatta Wale, and also with I Octane in writing Set up Yourself, and Samini...it’s an amazing album,” she said.
Standout collaborations on the album include Jah Never Fail, featuring Big Youth; Set up Yourself, featuring Shatta Wale; and Inna de Ghetto with Bugle. She shows off her seductive side with Vibration, featuring Randy Valentine.
As she cranks up promotion of her album, Etana will be shooting a video for Grateful.
The ever-busy Etana also recorded an Etana Live in Nairobi album at the Pamoja Festival held last month in Kenya. It includes 23 songs with more than two hours and four minutes of non-stop performances.
“I just keep going,” Etana said.