Etana to deliver something sweet

Nectar Of The Gods, the new album from Etana, is scheduled for release on July 26.

The 14-song set, produced by her Freemind Music label, has several collaborations with artistes such as Big Youth, Shatta Wale and Mr Cheeks.

It is the singer’s first studio album since the Grammy-nominated Pamoja in 2021. Her previous project had a strong Afrobeats flavour, as she tried to make inroads into that trendy market.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Etana said she went for a different feel.

“This album is different from Pamoja because it doesn’t have as much Afrobeats or multiple artistes from the (African) continent. It definitely displays some versatility, but the music is definitely more reggae, dancehall and a mixture of the eras,” she said.

There are seven duets on the new album, including Jah Never Fail (with Big Youth), Set Up Yuhself (with Shatta Wale), Weh Di Weed Deh (featuring Mr Cheeks), and Vibration (with Randy Valentine).

Etana’s first Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album was Reggae Forever in 2019.

“I never record a song or an album with the Grammys and awards in mind. I always think of the last album and try to create something on the same level or try to outdo the last one,” she said.

Nectar Of The Gods will be released two months after the Freemind rhythm, a compilation album featuring 12 songs on the beat of the same name. Etana produced that project, which has songs by Lutan Fyah, Richie Spice, Ginjah and Warrior King.