Jamaican singer Etana has revealed the personal story behind her hit song Weakness In Me.
Speaking during a live interview on K24 TV on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the reggae icon shared how the track was inspired by her own life experiences, including heartbreak caused by her husband.
The emotional ballad, which has over 10 million views on YouTube is one of Etana’s timeless masterpieces that has won the hearts of many all over the globe.
Etana explained to K24 TV‘s Doreen Majala that the song was born in the back of the car in Miami after a live performance.
At the time, she was confronting her vulnerabilities and the complexities of relationships.
“I remember writing the song at the back of the car after performing in Miami. I wrote the song after he broke my heart. The same guy. He used to have a hard time listening to that song,” she told K24 TV.
The ‘Love Song’ hitmaker highlighted the growth and evolution that relationships often demand.
“You see, people grow, they make mistakes, they have different experiences. They figure out what they really wanna be. Not understanding that part of it is why people fall apart. But for me, it’s overcoming those challenges,” Etana shared noting that they moved past it and it has been a successful marriage since then.
The spiritual side of Etana that most people don't know about.#GoodVibesFestival2024 #EtanaLive #ReggaeVibes pic.twitter.com/IWrfDSYDXq
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) December 5, 2024
Closed off emotionally
The singer reflected on her childhood, sharing that her father’s absence left an impact on her emotional development.
Etana described growing up with a defensive and cold approach to relationships. These walls followed her into adulthood, making it difficult for her to trust or open up to others. Even when she met her husband, she initially resisted forming a connection.
“My father left when I was four years old. I used to have dreams, and I would cry, and my mom didn’t know what to do. She searched and found him, but he was with another woman who had a child. In my mind, I understood that my father didn’t leave my mother, but he left me for her, the child. Right then, I decided I didn’t need a father or a man,” she explained.
She said that despite her reluctance to form deeper connections, her husband’s persistence and care led her to give love a chance eventually resulting in their marriage.
“That I didn’t need a man. I grew up that way, defensive and very cold. My approach to relationships was like that. I was so closed off. But later I discovered that relationships have ups and downs. And I have a very hard time trusting and letting people in,” the reggae icon shared.
“Even when I met my husband, I told him he was too emotional and I didn’t want that. It was so hard to let myself feel. I told him I didn’t want a relationship. And he was like ‘I don’t want this either, I want to be there for you’. Then I reflected on my choices and decided to move forward and gave it a chance and we married.
Etana in Kenya
The celebrated singer landed in Nairobi on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, ahead of the much-anticipated concert dubbed Good Vibes Festival set to take place at the A.S.K The Dome in Nairobi on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The event, organized by Mediamax Network Limited, promises an unforgettable night for reggae lovers, featuring Etana’s soulful voice.
This marks Etana’s seventh visit to Kenya, her last being three years ago. Over the years, she has built a strong connection with Kenyan reggae lovers, who she says always make her feel at home.
