Etana says she feels honored to received her first Grammy nomination.
The reggae singer was nominated for Best Reggae Album for her 2018 project Reggae Forever. The album, which was released on March 8, has earned her critical acclaim for its depth and quality. Speaking with Loop, Etana thanks all who contributed to the album. “I feel honored and truly grateful that an album created independently and supported by Tads Records has been recognized by such a prestigious organization as the Academy Awards group, she said.
Etana is going up against stiff competition from 44/876 by Sting and Shaggy, Rebellion Rises by Ziggy Marley, As the World Turns by Black Uhuru, and A Matter of Time by Protoje.
Only three females have ever been nominated for Best Reggae Album since the Grammy included the category three decades ago. The last time that a female artist was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nod.
Despite several dancehall artists dropping albums this year, Shaggy is the only act from the hardcore dancehall segment of Jamaican music to be included in this year’s nomination. Artists like I-Octane, Konshens, Popcaan, and more have all released albums this year.
