Roots reggae singer Etana is raising eyebrows with her latest single, Mirror, where she showcases her deejaying skills on a hardcore 90s era style dancehall beat. The song also has an uplifting message about body positivity.
"This is a song directed towards all the Internet trolls who like to trouble people on social media, talking about fake breasts and fake butts. This is also a song about empowerment, urging people to feel good about their self-image, telling people to look in the mirror, and recognise how beautiful you really are," Etana said.
The single is produced by Kemar 'Flava' McGregor and was released on all digital download platforms on Friday, September 29.
"Mirror is about self-love and self-acceptance, it is about knowing and loving thyself. The single may come off as a wee bit raunchy, but it has a great message because if people don't accept themselves more, then they can't flourish as individuals and embrace their inner greatness. How can you love someone else if you don't love yourself first? If you love yourself, then you can love more," Etana mused.
The Strong One also added that some of "the most beautiful women live in the garrisons'.
"They just aren't told how beautiful they are most times. When you know you are beautiful yuh step out strong and confident, and who can break that? People can say what they want, like the song says, 'dem a watch me and me nah study dem'," she said.
McGregor produced Etana's iconic I Am Not Afraid hit years ago, a song which is still relevant today. The two reunited again for the single Ganja Lovers in 2019.
The latest single is a dramatic departure from Etana's roots-rock sound. The in-your-face lyrics go: “Dem nuh like me and me nuh like dem, dem a mi enemy, me an dem nuh fren. Dem nuh like me and mi nuh like dem, dem a watch me an mi nah study dem.”
The hardcore stance continues as the Wrong Address singer continued: “Gal a bay, nuh like how mi clean yuh nuh like how me stay. Badmind a kill yuh cuz mi pretty everyday.”
Etana uploaded the video to her Instagram account which was a short clip that shows her in the studio along with her producer. The video was captioned, “Back in the studio with Kemar Mcgregor!!!”
McGregor is more popularly known by his alias DJ Flava or Flava McGregor. He accused Shenseea of copying Etana's Mirror look in a post on IG on Thursday where he juxtaposed photos of the two artistes wearing similar pink bath robes in front of a mirror.
"I see Kemar McGregor post a picture say she a mock me or she's mirroring the look of the song cover. If that is the artiste, maybe she is showing love, or she's bothered by the song, I don't know," Etana said.
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