by Howard Campbell
LAUDERHILL – When Shauna McKenzie migrated from Jamaica to South Florida in 1993, she settled along with her household in Lauderhill. The town’s massive Jamaican populace helped forestall any homesickness.
Famend globally as Grammy-nominated artist Etana, she obtained recognition from her hometown on February tenth, which was proclaimed Etana Day in Lauderhill by Mayor Denise Grant.
Etana obtained a proclamation celebrating the event at Lauderhill Metropolis Corridor. The gesture revived reminiscences of her youth in a neighborhood popularly often known as ‘Jamaica Hill’.
“Lauderhill is residence to a vibrant Jamaican neighborhood, one which has formed my expertise as an immigrant baby navigating the halls of Lauderhill Center College. I by no means felt remoted; as a substitute, I discovered solace in a small group of fellow Jamaican college students with whom I shaped a deep and seamless bond,” she instructed South Florida Caribbean Information. “The journey of adjusting and integrating into the college setting was made simpler, as being Jamaican amongst various races and cultures was not simply accepted—it was celebrated.”
Etana returned to Jamaica after 12 years to understand her musical desires. Whereas there, she achieved that with songs resembling Improper Handle, I Am Not Afraid and Warrior Love.
Her albums, Reggae Eternally and Pamoja, obtained nominations for the Grammy Award for Greatest Reggae Album.
On February 10, Mayor Denise Grant acknowledged quite a few distinguished Jamaicans for his or her achievements. They embody Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s leisure minister; Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Pan African icon Marcus Garvey, Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley, singer-songwriter Peter Tosh and singer Ernie Smith.
