THE fifth staging of Womanbition took place recently at Tony's Bar in New Kingston which was celebrated as International Women's Day.

Hosted by Conscious Reggae Party, the event attracted a diverse cast of performers.

Sharing the stage with their Jamaican counterparts were singer/percussionist Mama Kaffe from the Ivory Coast, singer Onesty from Belgium, German music selector Big Mama and Dominican singer Nelly Stharre.

Etana, while not at her best, was solid during her well-received acoustic set.

"All powerful women here tonight. Happy International Women's Day. We love you!" was how she greeted her appreciative audience. With that, she delivered some of her popular songs such as We Don't Want No Trouble and Hold A Meditation as well as pieces from her new album, Better Tomorrow.

Etana said Reggae, one of her new songs, is an affirmation of her "unconditional love for the music." The 'Strong One' also performed I'm Not Afraid and Selassie Is The Chapel.

Another high point was the performance of the all-female band, Bubblez. The four-member unit did a satisfying stint with their original songs Take It and Diva.

Veteran spoken-word artiste Cherry Natural was in fine form with material from her latest album, Intellectual Bad Gal. Story Tella was done with characteristic passion so too Poets Fi Get Pay.

Cherry Natural's rousing performance earned two encores.

Other acts who impressed were Hempress Sativa, Itafarri, Isha Bell and Moeish.

Singer Jah 9 in a different role as "Reggaelutionary Speaker", was accompanied by colleagues who gave brief narratives on their concept of womanhood. There was also a display by Minka Fashion.

Co-founded by Denise 'Isis' Miller, Keteis Brissett, Emprezz Golding and Nadia Stanley, Womanbition raised over $40,000 on the night. It is understood that approximately $100,000 will go to the Mary's Child Home for pregnant girls and the Universal Negro Improvement Association's Kingston Chapter