Tanya Stephens in Bielawa: a female dancehall voice from “It’s a Pity” to acoustic ballads

Tanya Stephens brings a generous dose of female sensitivity to the male-dominated dancehall scene. Vivienne Tanya Stephenson, to give her full name, absorbed genres such as calypso and American soul from an early age. When she began rhyming as a teenager, she filled her songs with witty, ambiguous lyrics, often drawing musically on calypso.

Stephens is equally a master of fiery dancehall riddims and lyrical acoustic ballads, filled with lyrics as humorous and perceptive as they are biting. Her ability to depict reality in an interesting, often controversial way, together with her striking, distinctive vocal tone, means that unlike many Jamaican artists she is also appreciated by people with no particular interest in reggae.

Her career began with a 1994 album collaborating with Barry OHare, together releasing hits including Kick Way and I Bet You Miss Me. Stephens also briefly explored rock in Europe, but did not remain faithful long. Missing dancehall, she returned to Jamaica early in the new century, releasing Gangsta Blues and Rebelution, two records presenting her full musical spectrum.

Based on the Doctors Darling riddim, the hit ‘Its a pity’ from ‘Gangsta Blues’ brought Stephens worldwide recognition and a place among Jamaica’s most highly regarded musicians.

Asked what she considers one of her greatest strengths, Tanya puts consistency first. She says this is expressed above all in the complete honesty and dedication with which she creates her albums. There is no better way to test those words than to attend this year’s Reggae Dub Festival in Bielawa, where Tanya Stephens will give her only Polish concert.

The artist performed at Reggae Dub Festival.

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