Etana’s first solo headlined concert on the day the Reggae world marks legendary Bob Marley’s death anniversary has a special significance.
Ever since she announced she will be returning to perform in Nairobi as part of her Reggae Forever World tour, the motivation is clear: this was the homecoming Grammy nominee, Etana has been craving for.
The bond between Etana and Nairobi is remarkable considering this is her third performance. Previously, Etana has performed alongside Tarrus Riley at Carnivore and with Richie Spice and Luciano at the KICC grounds. But her third trip holds a significance as her first solo headlining concert backed by homegrown acts in Nairobi.
The build-up to her stage presence is heightened by the instrumental intro of her song, ‘Queen.’ First came her honey-coated voice from behind the dark curtains and the verses flowed. She rocked Avido, a young Kenyan designer who has grown in popularity for dressing visiting international acts ankara print jacket, black pants and matching black heels. Her hair combed and laid to the side exposing her well-accentuated face.
She walked right to the middle of the stage where her mic stood majestically in wait, paused and smiled at everyone before jumping back into the music. Her music was sweetly serenading, outstanding in quality and versatility. With a voice that’s rich, robust and saturated in the right kind of buoyancy.
Etana went into ‘August Town,’ we journey with Etana’s discrimination woes on ‘Wrong Address.’ She reminds us to keep our heads up high in the face of gossipers through ‘People Talk.’ With ‘Reggae,’ she opens up her spirited approach to communicate her love for this music genre.
Etana croons on why we should not be afraid and even takes time to do some rendition of Ginjah and Morgan Heritage songs. She went into ‘Blessing’ collaboration with Alborosie, ‘My Man,’ Etana authentically brings back the spirit of love.
‘Weakness In Me,’ brings out an emotional opening and for the first time, we see her tears as she sings. There is no doubt tears flow in her fans as well. Etana shows off her Dancehall attitude with the track ‘ 6 Mins: 21 Secs’ off her Grammy-nominated album ‘Reggae Forever,’ even as she calls her fans on stage to teach her some dance moves. She paid respect to Bob Marley with songs in between her set.
It’s fair to say everyone left the venue feeling great and uplifting after such an amazing performance from the Strong One, Nairobi welcomes quality music every time.