Funk diva. Crowd pleaser. Songwriter.

There are people who know how to take the tragic and make it magic. Arietta Ward is one of those people. The eldest daughter of the late, legendary Janice Scroggins, the sudden loss of her mother became the catalyst to solidifying her space on the stage – a space that Arietta, commonly known as Mz. Etta, has already occupied for years.

After decades of performing great music and giving the audience everything she can, and usually with the best musicians Portland holds inside its sacred halls, Arietta released her debut solo album in 2020. The album stands as a testament to Mz. Etta’s unrivaled vocals, but also serves as a tangible contribution to the continuation of a legacy. 

While many labels of style exist, Arietta doesn’t define herself by any particular genre. Some would call her neo soul, others jazz, and still others R and B. But Mz. Etta is more focused on content and the responsibility that she believes every artist has. “Be mindful of how you deliver. Be mindful of your intent while delivering your messages. When you open your mouth – always hold that intent in the highest positive vibration possible. Artists are healers, music has healing power. Music is sacred.”