Reggae songstress, Etana, is in preparation mode as she works out her set for Irie Jamboree, North America’s premier reggae festival. One of the top female acts billed for this annual, highly-anticipated event, Etana excited fans at the New York launch of the festival earlier this month when she gave them a hint of what she would unleash at the Labour Day event. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 6 at York College Outdoor Complex in Queens, NY, Irie Jamboree will feature a galaxy of stars, all of whom are expected to shine brightly. But, for Etana, who has distinguished herself on many local and international stages, the focus will remain constant — pleasing her ever-growing number of fans.

“At the end of the day, it is really all about making the fans happy and giving them value for money,” she explains. “We must remember that we are in a recession and when people spend their hard-earned dollar to come and see you perform we have to appreciate that and give thans. It is therefore my duty to give them my best … always,” she emphasizes.

The acclaimed Warrior Princess, whose repertoire includes the mega hits Roots, Warrior Love, Wrong Address, Blessings (with Albarosie), recently returned from a North American tour with legendary reggae group, The Abyssinians.

“It was a fantastic experience,” she says of the tour. “I am looking forward to hitting the road again,” she adds.

In addition to Etana, Irie Jamboree will feature singers Freddy McGregor, Ken Boothe and Sugar Minott, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Mr Vegas, Bushman, Lady G, Ras Shiloh, Natural Blacks, Gramps Morgan, Sean Paul, TOK, Assassin, Spice, Chino, Bar-Bee, Laden, Pinchers, Daddy Lizard, Shinehead, Flourgon, Humble, Steele and Tasha T.

Irie Jamboree typically attracts thousands of reggae lovers from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, but music fans come from as far away as Atlanta, South Florida and Canada each year.