Adding to an already impressive year, reggae songstress Etana has been chosen to represent Jamaica at the Johannesburg 2009 Arts Alive Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Etana's participation in the festival was organised as a cultural exchange through a cooperative agreement between the the governments of Jamaica and South Africa. Her weeklong trip to South Africa will culminate with two highly anticipated performances at the Soweto Festival today and the Eldo Jazz Day Festival on September 27.

In a release sent to THE STAR, Sydney Bartley, principal director, culture and entertainment for permanent secretary of South Africa, is quoted as saying, "We express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Etana for her willingness to represent Jamaica at the Arts Alive Festival. Etana continues to stand out as one of Jamaica's outstanding artistes and we wish her every blessing in her career."

honoured

Etana was just as inspired by this opportunity, stating: "I am honoured to be chosen as a representative of Jamaica and reggae music in South Africa. This is a chance for me to be there for the people and continue spreading the universal message of reggae music."

In addition to the festival appearances, Etana will also perform in some of the country's clubs, reaching even more of her fans. Although this trip marks Etana's first time in South Africa, it is her third time travelling to Africa. In 2007 and 2008, Etana performed in Gambia and Ghana, respectively. Her groundbreaking song, Roots, was inspired by an encounter she had with a young boy in Gambia.

Etana has taken home numerous awards this year. Most recently, she won the 'Album of the Year' award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards in New York for her debut effort, The Strong One (VP Records), and at the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards, among a growing list of accolades. Etana's latest single, August Town, is being heralded by fans as a great, thought-provoking song.