Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Etana - file

Being a mother and an artiste is never an easy task but Etana knows that with her son living miles away from her, in Miami, it is even more difficult.

Even though Etana recently flew to Miami for her son's birthday, she doesn't always get to spend as much time as she would want with him.

"It's very hard being a mother and an artiste, 'cause at times, he would want to see me and can't get to see me, and I have to explain to him that I have to work. But most of the times he is understanding and knows where I am at all times," she said.

Nine years old and living with his father and grandparents, Etana's son, Shevaun, knows his mother's schedule better than she does. She describes him as a fun-loving, meticulous, yet cool person, who enjoys listening to hip hop music but who also loves to showcase his mother's talent to anyone who will listen.

According to Etana, the youngster took a photograph and a copy of her CD to his teacher to proudly show her off.

Baby's tunes

For young Shevaun, his favourite songs from his mother's catalogue are Roots, More and More and Warrior Love.

Having been a teenage mother, Etana knows well the worries and trials that accompany that role. Yet, she has never let it get her down or impact negatively on her son. The STAR of the month gave her advice to teenage mothers, who may be dealing with some of the issues she once faced.

"Yuh just have to do your best to educate yourself and to educate your child. Read to your children a lot and show them a lot of love. Tell them you love them everyday, so that they don't have to look for love in other places - that's very important," she said.

Etana told THE STAR that when she first found out she was pregnant she broke down in tears.

"I was crying the first couple of weeks and he (Shevaun's father) promised me he would be there. And, even though we're no longer together, he is still there and continues to support us," Etana said. The artiste also got support from Shevaun's grandparents, who, she says, spoils her son.

While Etana already has one boy, she says she would like to have two more sons to complete her family. She says even if she has a daughter, who she would raise to be a strong and powerful woman, she will continue to try for more sons.