Etana's Pamoja Album featuring Kenyan artists nominated for 2022 Grammy Awards

‘Pamoja’ album by Jamaican reggae singer Etana has been nominated for 'Best Reggae Album' category in the 2022 Grammy Awards.

The 'Pamoja' reggae album featured three collaborations with Kenyan artists: Naiboi, Wyre and Michael Bundi. Naiboi was featured in a track, ‘Legacy’, Wyre in a song dubbed ‘The One’ and Michael Bundi in ‘Pamoja’.

Following their achievement and advancement to represent Kenya in the album, the three artists took to their social media pages, showing appreciation to Etana, born Shauna McKenzie.

“I got this message from Etana’s management yesterday and man all I can say is God Is The Greatest! Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Pamoja album and on that special track Legacy because, damn my legacy just got grammied,” Naiboi wrote.

Michael Bundi as well congratulated Etana, mentioning that he is honoured to have been part of the album, working alongside Wyre and Naiboi.

Wyre wrote: “Congratulations Etana on your Grammy Nomination! Glad to be a part of it.”

Having found a strong fan base in Kenya, the ‘Love Song’ hitmaker said a lot of inspiration came from Kenya as she decided to title her new album 'Pamoja' (a Swahili word translated as 'together'). 

“When I thought of the album Pamoja, I did think of Kenya, just like I did when I wrote my single, ‘Better tomorrow.’ A lot of good inspiration came from Kenya," said Etana.

Other African collaborations in the 'Pamoja' album include Nandy from Tanzania, Wezi from Zambia and Ghana's Stonebwoy.

For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new reggae recordings, ‘Pamoja’ was pitted against Gramps Morgan’s ‘Positive Vibration’, Sean Paul’s ‘Live N Livin’, Jesse Royal’s ‘Royal’, Soja’s ‘Beauty In The Silence’ and Spice’s album titled ‘10’.

On Tuesday, the recording academy announced the nominations for each of the 86 categories for the 64th edition of the awards, which is expected to take place in Los Angeles on Monday, January 31.