Tennesia Malcolm, Gleaner Writer

Etana - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

BY NOW, fans would have known that Etana's debut album, The Strong One, is in stores, but what they may not have been privy to is that everyone can now have their own 'piece of the artiste'.

On Sunday night, when the singer asked fans and guests to join her at Strawberry Hill for the official launch of The Strong One, there was more than just music in store.

Bolstered by the idyllic surroundings and a warm reception, Etana, along with members of her management team, unveiled a line of novelty items, each emblazoned with her likeness. In the offing are coffee mugs, 'doggie' tags, T-shirts and student notebooks.

Marketing package

A member of Etana's management team said these products were not necessarily introduced to boost album sales - which are doing "good" - but are part of a wider marketing package.

"It's 'Brand Etana' and once it's representing her, everything else will fall into place," explains Kadine Reynolds, marketing manager, PCF Company Ltd, which is responsible for the items. "They're more of a keepsake, like having a piece of the artiste."

With the artiste's popularity having no age limit, there is an item for everyone - the notebook seemingly the item of choice.

With the new school term just around the corner, these items should be extremely popular, Reynolds tells The Gleaner. Though unsure of the price of the notebooks, she assures that they should be competitive.

It was a five-year-old girl, who indirectly helped steer Etana, mother of one, onto the right path in terms of her music, so the singer plans to give back by visiting schools and offering not just her music, but words of inspiration.

More than just a picture

"When I go into the schools, I want to be able to offer more than just a picture and an autograph," says Etana of her new business venture.

Etana, whose breakout hit, Wrong Address, explored the injustices suffered by persons living in the ghetto, at the hands of corporate employers, says her mission is to inspire children and create a foundation for the next generation, which includes her own son.

The notebooks are available at Kingston Bookshops. Each Saturday, for this month, Etana will be conducting autograph-signing sessions at select stores.

The album, which is being distributed by VP Records, contains tracks such as the popular Roots, I Am Not Afraid and her current hit, Warrior Love.