"Gemini" the New Etana
Subtle, Bold, and Diverse
Review by Laurent Lecurieux-Lafayette
GEMINI IS A DELIGHT FOR THE EARS
By adding albums and EPs, Shauna McKenzie, known as Etana, presents her ninth opus titled GEMINI available for pre-order. Release date set for June 19.
According to the stars, Geminis are intellectually brilliant, curious, sensitive, humorous, and changeable.
Gemini reflects the essence of the astrological sign: subtle, bold, and varied.
While the artist's vocal prowess is often highlighted, it’s essential to emphasize the aesthetic choices that guide the album's creation. Without denying her Jamaican artistic roots, she ambitiously explores the realms of international music.
There’s a strong influence from traditional sound-system rhetoric, soul, accompanied by more electronic or progressive reggae elements.
This strategy also defines the artistic identity of the singer, which earned her a nomination for the 61st Grammy Awards in 2018.
TRACKLIST
GEMINI — Tracklist
ON THE HIGHWAY, BUBBLE or JAMAICA echoes the desire to root the production in the foundations of Jamaican popular music. One cannot overlook the crackling of vinyl at the beginning of these tracks, or even the introduction reminiscent of live deejays in sound-systems. The homage to the heritage stemming from this culture resurfaces in other compositions (PARTY & SMOKE).
This notable reference to sound culture that permeates the album is surprising for an artist with international aspirations, and it deserves recognition.
The album collects an abundance of lovers rock gems, a style that dominates the entire project. The love anthems TRULY, SECRET LOVERS, and TIGHT SPACES are perfect examples. One cannot help but mention the echo of the cult masterpiece, Truly (1968), recorded by the diva Marcia Griffiths at Studio One.
The tracks DECEPTION, ANYTHING FOR YOU, and EASY TO LET GO are beautiful pieces with international or electronic sounds.
For lovers of Etana's voice, reggae, soul, and international music, Gemini is a delight for the ears. Original, varied, and rich in disparate and inventive sounds, this work is a pinnacle in the artist's career.
Follow ETANA on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter.
ETANA — Nairobi, Kenya
- The French Kribbean -
Follow KRIBBEAN on Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter
Keep exploring
Kribbean Is Headed to Trinidad & Tobago for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards
**[Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago / Fort-de-France, Martinique].** We're announcing that we'll be on the ground in Trinidad & Tobago from **September 16 to 21, 2026**, with red carpet accreditation for the **Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) Elite Weekend Experience**, taking place September 18–20 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain.
Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards Set to Honor Iconic Artists
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards is poised to celebrate the legendary contributions of four iconic artists on September 19, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago. This year’s event promises to be a vibrant tribute to the cultural impact of Caribbean music, highlighting the sounds that resonate globally.
Najeeriii: Jamaica's Rising Star Shines Bright on Billboard's 21 Under 21
The inclusion of Najeeriii in Billboard's prestigious 21 Under 21 list is a significant milestone for the Caribbean music scene. As young artists like him gain recognition on global platforms, they showcase the rich diversity and evolving sound of Caribbean music, proving that authenticity resonates beyond borders.
