Reggae artist Etana is now an independent reggae artist following her recent release from record label VP Records. The artist, who has released four albums under the label, said she will not renew her contract because she wants ownership of her music.

“My contract with VP ran its course and I decided not to renew it. It’s been 10 years and four albums, and I just want a change. We achieved success in a lot of ways, and Chris Chin has a heart for music. I admire that. But I think it’s time I create and maintain 100 per cent ownership of my copyright and masters. We may still have a working relationship distributing through VPAL,” she told THE STAR.

The artist will now assume full control of her creative process, using the Internet as her ultimate promotional tool.

“I have been prepared and ready for quite some time now. The rules have changed in the music industry, so artiste and labels have to follow along. A couple years ago, artist, did not have access to the tools necessary to market themselves and sell their own product to the worldwide consumer of the music, but now they do. Plus, the consumers now have several ways to stream and purchase the songs they like,” she said.

The singer, who has been relatively silent locally since Donald Trump’s presidential victory, has been doing a lot of work overseas. She is gearing up to make a special appearance in Kenya to both perform and execute charitable duties.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

“I was told it was a youth initiative organized by Brand Afrika for the government ministry in charge of the Studio Mashinani project. I will be involved in a couple of youth empowerment music workshops prior to the show. For occasions like this one, I am always willing to give my time to share and encourage the youth. As for the show, I have some fans who are steadily on my timeline on Twitter everyday, raving about me coming to Kenya. So, I am prepared to deliver a stellar performance as usual, and I’m looking forward to hearing my Kenyan people singing to me in perfect harmony,” she said.

The artist also noted that despite leaving VP Records, she will still work with musicians, composers and arrangers in Jamaica to develop her art.