Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Etana's new album The Strong One. - contributed

Singer Etana showed her speaking and singing sides on Sunday night at Strawberry Hill, Irish Town, St Andrew, as her debut album The Strong One was officially presented to the public.

Host for the evening, which for the paying public was dinner and Etana in concert at $3,500 a pop, was Michael Anthony Cuffe, who explained to the media in a press conference that The Strong One actually debuted on June 17. The official launch was being held nearly two months later because "shortly after it was released, she went on a five-week tour of Europe".

Before Etana appeared in the flesh, she was on the screen with the video to Don't Forget. There were other images of her as well, PCF Company Ltd displaying mugs, shirts and notebooks with a smiling Etana, sometimes with a guitar.

"On display are just a few of the merchandise that we have to come," Kadine Reynolds, PCF's marketing manager, said.

Guest speaker Professor Carolyn Cooper described The Strong One as "a magnificent accomplishment She is singing the songs of millions of women over the globe who refuse to be downpressed. And plenty man singing along with her".

Cooper said that it spoke to relationships between "man an' woman. Not man an' pickney. Women need men who can manage the work on all levels, mind, soul and body".

Rousing Sunday song

She spoke directly to some of the songs on the album, describing Live and Love Life as a rousing Sunday song, saying Don't Forget "asks a disturbing question" and Wrong Address addresses deeply rooted prejudice.

Although referring heavily to the lyrics of Helen Reddy's I am Woman, Cooper clarified: "I am not saying Etana is the Jamaican Reddy. She is her own woman, independent. She doesn't need to follow anybody."

"Every song on this brilliant album written straight from the heart are upful words that celebrate life," Cooper concluded.

When Etana appeared she was glowing, beaming at the gathering, she thanked all for the support she has received since 2006. "The truth is the truth, my truth, and I'm going to lay it out there," Etana said.

"Some people ask is it all my experience," Etana said about her songs. "I say it is all of your experience."

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia Grange said "I am happy that I am the Minister at this time and you are the star. Etana is a beautiful person. She does not just have a beautiful voice."

"There are many singers around, but you have something that is special that carries over into all genresÉ Your sound and your voice are all-encompassing."

Then it was time for the singing, impatient handclaps coming at 10:15 p.m. and 10:25 p.m. before the concert, backed by Gumption Band. Cuffe explained that the equipment had to be pulled down and set up again earlier because of rain.

Etana, dressed in a purple and grey dress with a close-fitting bodice and flared skirt, was glowing as she opened with 'Jah Chariot'. 'I Am Not Afraid' had members of the audience, scattered in front of the stage as well as lining the balconies above.

She played the guitar and sang on Nuclear, her voice especially powerful on Wrong Address.

Warrior Love took the house down during a good 35-minute concert which ended with a pair of dancers, the women hoisted on the man's shoulders, raising their arms, as did Etana, to create a striking tableau.