Shane Brown feels slighted over Ebola anthem

Davina Henry, Staff Reporter

Reggae singer Etana has once again broken new ground on the international front. Her single, 'A Better Tomorrow' was recently chosen by the United Nations as the official anthem for the UN's Ebola Emergency Response.

The song, which was released in 2013, as part of her VP album contract, and produced by famed producer Shane Brown of Juke Boxx Productions, has been re-released with all proceeds going towards supporting the ongoing fight against Ebola.

However, amid the congratulatory messages, Brown told THE WEEKEND STAR that he was disappointed that he was not contacted by neither VP nor Etana about the accomplishment.

According to Brown, several musicians, including Kirk Bennett, Aeion Hoilett, Lamont Savory, Kevon Webster, Chevaughn Clayton, Nikki Burt, Sherita Lewis, Michael Howell and Roland McDermott, were involved in the musical writing process and should be given their rightful recognition.

"Our music industry has been plagued with negativity and since those are highly publicised, VP could have shone some much needed light on the positive aspects of the industry instead of selfishly making it all about them," Brown stated.

Writing process

Though the royalties obtained from the purchase of the song rightfully belong to those involved in the musical writing process, Brown insisted that they did not have a problem donating it to charity.

He also took to social media to air his grouse.

Soon after posting his comments, chiding both Etana and VP for their lack of communication as it relates to the accomplishment of the song, Etana responded.

"The politics in the business never seems to amaze me. Big ups to all the players of instruments and vocalists who worked hard to the music of this song. Even though you all laughed at me when I asked for just the heartbeat (kick drum). I still managed to come to the studio the following day and delivered on what you all thought was a joke in the beginning. I'm not too much for politics and label decisions. VP, Please send out a proper release giving proper respects to Shane Brown for a job well done ..."

But Brown did not appear to take too kindly to this comment.

"We all laughed with each other while making a great record and supported each other 100 per cent by sharing ideas. VP doesn't need to send out a release to give me respect, as my work speaks for itself. What they can do is put that energy into the few artistes that have left. This is not political. It's truths and rights. I don't see what you are amazed about."

Though disappointed, Brown stated that this was a positive move for the industry and a good look for 'Brand Jamaica'.

"Our culture has been blessed with reggae music which continues to make Jamaica an important island in the world. It's time for the actual players (singers/musicians/producers/engineers) that mean the business well, to take more control of their products and destiny and protect the industry, so we don't have to depend on a third party to throw us a 'bone' when they feel like. Furthermore, there are more positive things happening with our music than negative, it's just what is highlighted," Brown said.