STAR of the Month: Happy Birthday Etana

Touring has been the highlight of Etana's past birthday celebrations.

She told THE STAR, "It's been so long since I have been able to celebrate my birthday as every year at this time, I am working."

Once again, the birthday girl and May's STAR of the Month finds herself travelling, this time to Guadeloupe for Festival Eritaj.

"My most memorable celebration would be at a show in Minneapolis. There was a large group of Africans in the audience who proceeded to throw money on me; this was to hint that I should dance," said Etana.

She continued: "My legs got tired, and one of them said, 'Once we're throwing money, you continue dancing. You don't stop, you cant stop'. I had to continue dancing."

It was Etana's back-up singers who came to her rescue to dance and collect the money. The reggae singer's friends, family, and team members speak highly of her and say that it is memories like these that keep the experience all the more worthwhile.

Stacy Mullings (hairstylist/nail technician): "Etana has been a client first, but now, she is like a sister and friend, and I would hope that she has the best day. Continue to be that lovely soul you are ... . Lots of love."

Patricia Chin (founder, VP Records): "Etana is a true talent that has made a name for herself and has continued to grow in the industry. I always knew she had potential to do great things, and she continues to surpass my expectations. With good music and an even better heart, her star will continue to shine bright."

Richard Roach (road merchandise manager): "Wishing her a happy earthstrong and many more. I know wherever she is in the world she makes the best of it, and she will enjoy her day. And as she always says, one perfect love."

Clive Hunt (producer): "Etana is committed to her work, which is a rare thing in the local music industry these days. We need more of this for the industry to expand. All the best on your birthday."

The Rawsoul Rebels band: We would like to wish Etana a happy birthday, as well as more success and prosperity in her career. It's always fun times with Etana on or offstage, a lot of jokes and laughter all the time. We and Etana have great chemistry because we are friends and not so much employees to her, and that right there is hard to find in this industry. We give thanks for the many opportunities and trials which have made us stronger as a group. Individually, it has been such a pleasure to celebrate the queen of reggae's birthday. We love you!"

AndrE Morris (husband and manager): "Etana is a remarkable individual that exudes unconditional love wherever she goes. She has a natural love for helping and healing people. No wonder she wanted to be a nurse. In many instances, I've been brought to tears by some of the emotional stories I've heard from weeping fans who just wanted to show their appreciation for the messages channelled through Etana that helped them through numerous illnesses and hardships in their lives. I'm happy to have met, courted, married, conceived with, and continuously worked with her throughout the stages of her development as an artiste, philanthropist, and an overall good human being. Happy birthday, Shauna. I love you. I wish you many more great years ahead. One perfect love."