Reggae singer Etana honored with her own day in Lauderhill

Reggae singer Etana has been recognized for her contributions to music and culture with a special honor from the city of Lauderhill, Florida. February 10, 2025, has been officially proclaimed as “Etana Day,” marking a significant milestone in the artist’s career and personal journey.

Reflecting on the honor, Etana took to Instagram to share her heartfelt gratitude and emotions. “When I was about 9 years old, my mother migrated to Florida. I grew up in the city of Lauderhill. I remember walking to school every day from 56th Ave to 55th all the way to the overpass. Even in the toughest of times, I went to school. I thought if I never had anything else, I would remain an ‘A’ student! Life was not easy at all, and it makes me emotional when I speak about it even today. I never thought that one day I would be honored by the Mayor of the city I grew up in,” she wrote, extending her thanks to Mayor Denise D. Grant, Vice Mayor Sarai Martin, and City Commissioners Richard Campbell, Melissa P. Dunn, and John T. Hodgson.

The proclamation highlights Etana’s trailblazing achievements, noting that she made history as the first female artist in over 15 years to top the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.