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Tanya Stephens Biography
Stephens’ carefully crafted musical journey
If a musical dictionary were to include the name ‘Tanya Stephens’, the reader would probably find synonyms like: multi-talented, witty, frank, intelligent, visionary, and down-to-earth associated with this singer.
Armed with a catalogue of hits that dates as far back as the early 90s, Stephens has become one of Reggae music’s paramount artistes/songwriters/lyricists.
Born Vivienne Stephenson, in a house of seven children, Stephens’ musical path seemed almost pre-destined. Her home which was always bursting at the seams with her parents’ favourite music, which ranged from the sultry sounds of Smokey Robinson to the more upbeat and witty Calypso songs of the day, soon became her sturdy musical backbone.
“Listening to my mother’s Calypso music with people like Kitchener and Sparrow was where I learnt how to infuse wit with music at an early age,” said Stephens.
Soon Stephens learnt her way around the local dancehalls and became a pro at deejaying on the mic. It wasn’t long before she recorded her first track in 1993 entitled, Is This For Real.
String of hits
Included in producer Barry O’Hare’s Further East compilation, the single announced the presence of a certified maverick.
O’Hare also produced her first album in 1994, Big Tings A Gwan, which set off a string of hits including: Love How Your Body Tan, Kick Way, and I Bet You Miss Me. The songs established Stephens as an aggressive competitor armed with a gorgeous, rhythmic alto and a scathing wit.
The songstress’ rebellious, yet, authentic and multifaceted approach to her music, which always documents the human experience, has caused her to gain the respect of fans on the international landscape and given her staying power and relevance.
“Staying true to people’s situations and their emotions is something I try to do. I owe it to the listener to tell a story that speaks to their experience,” she says.
Remarkable Success
Throughout the years Stephens continued to work with an array of top producers, namely, Bobby ‘Digital’ Dixon, Harvel ‘Gadaffi’ Hart, Dave and Tony Kelly and ruled the local and international charts with the release of the albums Too Hype (VP Records, 1997), Ruff Rider (VP Records, 1998), the Alternative Rock inspired Sintoxicated (Warner, 2001) during Stephens’ years living in Sweden (1998-2001), Gangsta Blues (VP Records, 2004), the chart-topping Rebelution (VP Records, 2006) and Infallible (Tarantula Records, 2010).
In addition, the remarkable success of singles including: Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet, produced by Dave Kelly, Draw fi Mi Finger, Freaky Type, Cry and Bawl, the sexually-charged Boom Wuk, These Streets and more recently Still Alive, Infallible, among others not only gave credence to Stephens’ keen attention to witty word play but moreso, her ability to vividly paint a picture with mere words.
Tanya Stephens’ carefully crafted musical journey has proven that she is in no uncertain terms, an ambassador for Reggae music and a performer for all seasons..
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