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August 27, 2006
TANYA, A REAL 'REBELUTIONARY' - DANCEHALL IS OVEREXPOSED
By Sean Miller/Freelance Writer
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot
Tanya Stephens has never been accused of being afraid to speak her mind. She believes firmly in the mantra: "tell the truth and shame the devil".
She is one of the exclusive acts for the rebirth of Reggae Sunsplash this year, and in a surprising move, chose to spurn this year's Reggae Sumfest show. She sat down with YardFlex.com this month to voice her opinions on her personal life, her music and the state of dancehall-reggae.
"Sumfest people dem no have nah no manners, and dem hype fi no reason 'cause dem tink dem a star," she said. "Gourzong a little bit too big fi him breaches, mi caan stand dem, dem no have no manners. Everytime they call, they're disrespectful, condescending, dem belittle you. Nuff artistes run back at them, oh please put me on, but for what? Nobody nuh buss offa Sumfest."
Stephens, who is riding a high on the international scene where her amazing voice and intelligent, socially conscious songs have made her
a bona fide reggae star, said he is actually looking forward to appearing at this year's Sunsplash.
"I'm happy to see Splash back, and honestly, they have way more manners, so I am looking forward to working with them," she said. Stephens will be performing at the Richmond Estate venue on August 5th.
Tanya has been focusing on the release of her upcoming album, 'Rebelution' for VP Records, the followup to the critically acclaimed 'Gangsta Blues' which spawned the hit, "It's A Pity", on the German-produced "Doctor's Darling" riddim.
 Her album, which hits stores on August 29th, is almost exclusively produced by her partner/lover, Andrew Henton of Tarantula Records, but there are a few guest producers such as Ainsworth 'Big A' Higgins, Barry O'Hare and the rookie producer, Sherkhan from Tiger Records, a French Caucasian living in Jamaica.
TANYA BELIEVES DANCEHALL IS OVEREXPOSED
But even after over a decade in the business, Tanya is not satisfied with the quality of the overall dancehall product coming out of Jamaica.
"Right now, dancehall reggae is overexposed, it is the most promoted music as a genre, check it, nobody no out there promoting rap as a genre, or hip hop as a genre, artistes come out and promote dem album, and that's that. We need to work on our product...and stop worrying about marketing and worry more about production. We can’t be like 'hey, I am over here, look at me, look at me', then when everybody look at you, you have nothing to offer them," she said.
Too much people have an MPC machine, she added.
"Our industry spits on the talented people, the hype is what everybody subscribe to, so a little man who come with a really good song, you probably hear it one time if you hear it at all. If you hear it one time, and love it, you don't know where to get it because the jockeys don't even call dem name when dem play it," Tanya complained.
This sort of caustic commentary is de riguer for the writer/singer of tunes like "Big Ninja Bike," an exuberant deflation of men who don't deliver on sexual promises. But that is Tanya being well, Tanya.
ON HER RELATIONSHIP WITH PARTNER ANDREW
Tomboyish growing up, Tanya has blossomed into a full-blown sex bomb. During the interview, she was dressed in a figure-hugging blouse, and the buttons were open enough to offer a glimpse of her, ahem, 'assets'. She has also blossomed in love, sharing a steady relationship with Andrew Henton, the son of producer 'Computer Paul' Henton.
"We set high standards, we pressure and push each other, because we want the best product out there. I am my own worst critic, and I cannot give anyone ammunition to use against me so I shot it up myself, remove all the bullets, heal the bullet wounds...remove all the offensive parts," she said.
Not that Tanya gives a damn if anyone finds her candor and wit offensive. She even had some harsh words for the media, saying they were no longer trendsetters, but 'wagonists' when it came to exposing new artistes.
TANYA LOVES 'DUTTY WINE'
She loves Matterhorn's 'Dutty Wine' which at the time of the interview, was the number one song in Jamaica.
"It is well written, a classic, when I first heard it, I wondered, who this? Because it was pop-sounding and up-tempo. Matterhorn really did a good job with it. And you know Matterhorn did born hype, so you can imagine now," she said, laughing.
Even though she is in a better place spiritually, Tanya has not buried the hatchet with fellow deejay Lady Saw with whom she had a very public falling out a few years ago.
"Me and Saw no have no relationship. Full Stop. I don't wish her no ill will, but we will never have a relationship," she said.
Look out for Tanya's lead single, 'These Streets' which has popped up on the South Florida and New York reggae charts. It is 'rebelutionary'.
Posted by yardFlex at August 27, 2006 10:35 AM
Comments
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Posted by: FIRES
on August 27, 2006 11:40 AM
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LUV YOU TO DEF MAMA..............KEEP MAKING GOOD MUSIC.. THE VOICE IS REMAKABLE....
ONE KEY TO FAILURE IS TO TRY PLEASE EVERYONE.......TO THAT I SAY f**k MY
CRITICS......
RERSPECT TO YOU MS. STEVENS
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Posted by: shen
on August 27, 2006 12:05 PM
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Tanya jus gwaan do u thing u sound positive, and i like the comments u made about the producers not giving young artist a chance.
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Posted by: John
on August 27, 2006 12:42 PM
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Tanya Stephens...........your one of the very few female artist in ANY catagory that i have the outmost love and respect for your music.
I lve all your hits and till now I can't stop play "These Streets".
You have earn my respect.
Come back to Sint Maarten and I will be at your show AGAIN !
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Posted by: mel
on August 27, 2006 02:38 PM
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This is the best reggae/artist out of Jamaica.. intelligent, witty, classy and very very talented. plz...give her her props man. she de best.. keep doing ya thing g.
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Posted by: nina
on August 27, 2006 03:08 PM
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Posted by: ladyd
on August 27, 2006 03:21 PM
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tanya you are the best no matter what people say just gone do ur thing u are making big hits i love the song these streets keep up the good wuk and be easy meh gal who jah bless no man curse
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Posted by: JB
on August 27, 2006 04:11 PM
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Tanya Stephens is a remarkable artiste and for some reason she reminds me of the SING-J third of the Higgs & Twins trio who used to record for King Jammys back in the "eighties". Tanya is just a little more hard core than Higgs, but their standards are quite similar. All in all I will say is keep up the excellent work my gurl. Take it all the way. Yuh a gwan good. RESPEC'
JB
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Posted by: nadine and renardo in catford London
on August 27, 2006 04:21 PM
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through thick and thin u r always there, mi love u to bits,u look good,do ur best to please ur die hard fans, tanya no matter wat u do ,u will never b able to please the world, just please some people that r in it and u will b ok love yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
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Posted by: Ekua
on August 27, 2006 04:36 PM
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Tanya girl, you're great. I love your edginess, rawness and your straight to the point. I agree 100% there isn't enough info on reggae artist, who they are or where to cop the albumn. I am one of your biggest fans, keep up the GREAT work and remember people hate on what they themselves can't be. They can't keep a good women down.
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Posted by: rasta-iyata
on August 27, 2006 04:58 PM
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REALNESS........
dis dawta gi mi strength and powa..... not a gimmix artiste......strickly di highest heights.........
Prosperity and More life 2 her.......Her glory shine Bright
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Posted by: mandi
on August 27, 2006 05:32 PM
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I am glad my girl Tanya is back.
I hope that YardFlex is really listening to her comments as they too are one of those who promotes too much dancehall artists, whom most don't even write lyrics with different subjects nor have talent.
Thank you so much for doing a feature on Tanya.
I would love to see something more on other artists like her who are truly talented.
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Posted by: Rohan
on August 27, 2006 05:38 PM
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You go Tanya. I always love you even when no one did. I will even be your only or best fan. I am really in love with you Tanya for many reasons other than you being an entertainer. You keep up the good work and extend because the sky is the limit.
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Posted by: PAV
on August 27, 2006 07:12 PM
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BIG UP YUH SELF TANYA STEPHEN YOU IS A REAL TRENDSETTA CAUSE A WHOLE HEEP A ARTTIST AGO WAA'N START TALK OUT PON DI SHEGGERIES WA'H GWAAN INNA DI BUSINESS WHICH IS SOMETHING DEFINATELY TO TALK ABOUT. MUCH RESPECT TO THE YOUNG ARTIST AND PRODUCER. AND TO ALL THE WAGONIST KEEP IT UP CAUSE PEOPLE LIKE UNNO MEK YOUNG ARTIST LIKE MEAN SMARTA, WISA, AND MORE OUTSPOKEN PON FOOLS LIKE UNNO. ANYWAYS TANYA BIG UP AGAIN AND BEST WISHES ON THE UPCOMING ALBUM.
YOURS TRULY PAV------.
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Posted by: Latoya
on August 27, 2006 08:44 PM
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big up yuh self tanya, mi love yuh bad,,, u song dem sell off,,, a mi a yuh number 1 fan nuh mek nuh body fool yuh. nuh watch nuh face, if a gwal nuh like yuh tell har fi chuck back inna har you know what!!!
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Posted by: lyn
on August 27, 2006 09:41 PM
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tanya keep on doing what u do best u r my girl don't let anyone stop ur progress remember god in whatever u do much much more success girl love u bad
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Posted by: cuttie_ruttie
on August 27, 2006 11:11 PM
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tanya is the best female in the music industry jus gwaan do ur thing an remain the proud woman thatyou are
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Posted by: Maxine
on August 27, 2006 11:18 PM
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Posted by: sexytc
on August 28, 2006 09:11 AM
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mi luv tanya,this girl a set some standards for us ladies. can't wait to get rebelution. mi listen gangsta blues to the max.
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Posted by: Vendenesia Moodie
on August 28, 2006 09:14 AM
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I LOVE YOUR VOICE GIRL,GOD BLESS YOU.........
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Posted by: Debbie
on August 28, 2006 09:26 AM
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Hey Tanya, just keep doing your thing, cause guess what .... it sell off. Just keep producing the quality music that I know you are capable of doing. Love yuh to the max.
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Posted by: Talitha
on August 28, 2006 09:29 AM
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Tanya you are and forever will be my number one (1)female artise in Jamaica and probably the world. You've never done a song that i dislike, all your music are catchy, positive, telling the truth about something and as got to be heard. I love You, I love them, keep on doing what your doing and know that when everyone stop listing Me and God never will. Oh and by the way you share the name TANYA with my sister. A huge Holla to my girl gwan do yuh ting. One more thing "these streets" a the bomb, all men better listen cause only we can love them dem way deh.
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Posted by: abou
on August 28, 2006 09:33 AM
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Tanya is a concious woman, my daughter suki admire her so much, she sings her songs all the time.NUFF "PROPS" TO YOU GIRL,YOU'RE BAD TO THE BONE.
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Posted by: rude jay
on August 28, 2006 10:13 AM
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hey tanya u r the most talented female artist in the music biz ur even better than alot of male artists u sings about one thing 4 them entire career i have to get ur new album so let us know where an when it available ok an keep up d good work
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Posted by: DaintyE_7
on August 28, 2006 10:21 AM
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Amazing work. Her artistry is remarkable. So pure, and talented. Love her standards, and ethics. Love that she's uncompromised. She's one of the few artists, that knows where to draw the line. She can be sexy, classy, without being naked.
Just astounding. I'm glad someone with a voice, finally spoke up about the talented artist that aren't being recognised. And that there is just too much damn hype going on with reggae, and then the product just isn't up to par.
Love yuh Tanya!!!
You know mi haffi get dis next album fi see how yuh a go top "Gangsta Blues", one of mi favorite albums of all time.
Smooches, love you!
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Posted by: stefen
on August 28, 2006 10:42 AM
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Tanya, you are undoubtedly the most talented female "reggae" artist in the world. I don't believe you get the respect you deserve but hey mek me tell yu babes, yu ave many many many fans out there. Your style, lyrics, personality, moves are unique, straight up YU A DE BEST TING BOUT YAH! Please keep it up if a coulda buy a million copy of yu albums every time a would cause fe me yu a platinum artiste STR8 .... Ruff
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Posted by: A. Anderson
on August 28, 2006 10:58 AM
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I believe tanya is the best and all her songs make sense. I bought her last album and it is very good. Keep up the good work girl and my man love you too.
Can I get the word for the song Boom Wuk thank you.
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Posted by: Stargirl
on August 28, 2006 11:29 AM
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I just cannot wait to get my hands on Tanya's new album. I just love this lady's voice. I just have to play her music when I'm feeling a bit low and she takes care of things. Keep up the great work girl! You're my herione.
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Posted by: Colleen
on August 28, 2006 01:04 PM
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Tanya,
You are bright, talented, witty, sexy and a great entertainer. Continue strutting your stuff girl.
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Posted by: alison
on August 28, 2006 01:11 PM
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hey just wana say big up to tanya i love you girl just keep on letting the good talent you have flow big up me want to here say a fi u finga the ring pan on pan next you dun know we role inna the city but we neva feget we roots live good peace
alison
fr:hopewell hanover
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Posted by: Leesha
on August 28, 2006 02:42 PM
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Tanya is a very talented artist and i love her very much 'no pun intended'.
Whenever this sista open her mouth i can feel every word she spits out and i can relate to every topic she sings on, this sista is a powerful artist.
You are the best Tanya keep it up.
Tanya, i think your the most talented young lady that i have ever heard and i want to advise you to presevere because it will worth it with your voice some day.
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Posted by: CARMEN
on August 28, 2006 07:01 PM
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TANYA,
I THANK U FOR IT'S A PITY BECAUSE IT IS SO REAL. THANKS AGAIN AND KEEP THEM COMING,
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Posted by: BABYJANE
on August 29, 2006 12:48 AM
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TANYA GWAAHN BIG UP YOURSELF YOU DONE KNOW SEH YOU A THE NO1 ARTISE ROUND HERE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND ALL THE BEST MI LOVE THE VIDEO'THESE STREETS DON'T LUV U'
NUFF RESPECT TANYA
BABYJANE SEH DAT.
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Posted by: BABYJANE
on August 29, 2006 12:56 AM
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LUV U TANYA KEEP IT COMING AND KEEP THEM TALKING.
BABYJANE SEH DAT
FR:BROWN'S TOWN ST.ANN
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Posted by: stacy
on August 29, 2006 08:49 AM
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you go girlk you look great ur the best.
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Posted by: Duane South
on August 29, 2006 09:10 AM
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Posted by: toya
on August 29, 2006 10:27 AM
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tanya u ma girl and i'll always root 4ya keep on keeping up. DO UR TING MI GAL!!!
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Posted by: Aladia
on August 29, 2006 11:41 AM
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I was one of the patrons at this year's Reggae Sun Splash where Ms. Stephens graced the stage. As usual while veiwing her performance I am star struct and in awe. Sun Splash was no different. I am amazed that in this day and age where there are so many "wanna-be artistes" who have absolutely no talent that there is actually a true Jamaican (Tanya Stephens) who has talent, charisma, charm and guts. Unafaid to speak her mind but approaches every topic with class, yet honesty and excellence............KEEP IT UP GIRL.
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Posted by: kristen
on August 29, 2006 12:24 PM
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tanya i love ur songs and ur looks
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Posted by: Jules
on August 29, 2006 12:54 PM
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These streets is tough love it love it fantastic work girl keep it up
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Posted by: PureSlacknezz
on August 29, 2006 12:56 PM
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Tanya yah large mi gyal nah leff nobody bring u doun, u keep doin' u and Jah will c u through.
One Luv Mi Big Fren
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Posted by: natalee
on August 29, 2006 03:04 PM
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tanya is the best she is down to earth and Ilove that she also did a song that I LOVE SO MUCH IT IS, RUDEBWOY ITS A PITY ,gwan tanya
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Posted by: Danielle
on August 29, 2006 03:06 PM
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Posted by: Charlie B
on August 29, 2006 10:06 PM
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The BEST Lyricist inna Jamaica bar none man/woman. I repeat the BEST Lyricist bar none. Listen to all a har tune dem comeplete album, no fillers, no gimmicks, no micky mouse lyrics, no nursey rhymes just pure unalduterated poetry. See da yute deh Asassin what out fi him intellegence a go kill dem. Big up my girl the only skinout yuh a do a inna yuh bedroom....
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Posted by: small stuff
on August 30, 2006 12:35 AM
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da song 'These Streets' dis is d hottest song ever me like it n nuh leh nuh1 bring u dwn keep doin ur tng me gul am ur biggest fan nuff love
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Posted by: MELISSA RYAN
on August 30, 2006 11:00 AM
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TANYA I LOVE UR VOICE VERY MUCH, WHEN I HEARD UR CD I WAS LIKE THIS GIRL JUST SING SONGS THAT PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO IN OUR SOCIETY. KEEP IT UP AND PLEASE UR FANS AND ALSO UR CRITICS BECAUSE THEY I AM SURE CAN RELATE TO UR MUSIC ALSO. LOVE U GIRL!!!!!!!!
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Posted by: Kadian
on August 30, 2006 12:28 PM
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Posted by: kay
on August 30, 2006 12:59 PM
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Tanya has been my favorite female Jamaican since she came on the scence. Congrats to her on her new album can't wait to get it cause gansta blues
hard trust mi. I know it have to be good
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Posted by: diva
on August 31, 2006 09:26 AM
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oh ms.taya stevens love your work and you kno why, i love it because of all that u put in it like your heart in the words the makes your hits,TAYA the lord give u a gift and i love love love love that u are making it someday i would love 2 be like u, the song i love right now is THESE STREETS LOVE YOU AND KEEP IT UP FROM:ONE OF YOUR YOUNG FAN
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Posted by: lov
on August 31, 2006 12:44 PM
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Girl I love your songs, your voice, your vibes. It's all go girl. I took in your performance at GT Extravaganza last december it was the bomb!your album is a have to get plus i love your single that i hear Elise Kelly on Irie Fm spinning. Baby Do You or something like that on the consuming fire wish it was on your album thou.
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Posted by: craig
on August 31, 2006 08:02 PM
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dont watch nuh face keep it up
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Posted by: jannet
on August 31, 2006 09:34 PM
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Tanya big up your self 'RESPECT'due just keep up your good works
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Posted by: zulu
on September 1, 2006 08:21 AM
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pfff.. bull sh*t, it not an reggae, it not an dancehall stylee. comercial bl**dkllat sh*t. bun!
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Posted by: Doug
on September 1, 2006 09:00 AM
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"POETRY IN MOTION" thats how i describe Tanya's style. This girl is one of the best song writer to emerge out of Jamaica. Music lovers need to stop jump up for a while and listen to the lyrics of a Tanya Stephen's song and you will agree
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Posted by: Romania Kelly
on September 1, 2006 12:38 PM
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Big up to Tanya. Continue to your thing my girl.
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Posted by: INGRID
on September 2, 2006 02:41 PM
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Hi Tanya,
you go girl! keep up the good work.
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Posted by: Ann
on September 2, 2006 04:48 PM
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hey tanya i have been a fan of yours since i was a kid i have all of your albums and i cant wait to see you in concert soon....love fan for life
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Posted by: lilj
on September 7, 2006 09:29 PM
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hi tanya,
a number 1 fan hitting u up just to let u know that u should keep on doin wat u doin , keepin it real to the max, true life stories are told through ur songs.keep on keepin it real and hope to see u soon in concert, trust me u r 1 of the best. # 1 fan
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Posted by: recee
on September 11, 2006 06:12 PM
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Tanya u dun know. Mi an' u go waay back. dem caan step inna yuh league. di song "what a day" even beat bob marley redemption song dats how good u r an' mi glad seh wi still can chat. much blessing Queen T.
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Posted by: Enecia
on September 19, 2006 01:00 PM
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Tanya, I love yo album gangsta blues. Them song wicked, i could listen to it all day. dis new song you come out wid "These Streets," I just love it. I heard it the first time on UPN, fell in love with it, so much i want to tell my boyfriend and this song sums it up to the t. then i saw the video on my sprint phone and i caan stop playing it. I had to get the lyrics for it and here i am. Now me gon play the video and give him the lyrics. Thank you so much for coming out wid dah song. dont give up and keep coming wid de goodness. I hope u know i going an buy yo lastest album
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Posted by: Tulloch
on September 23, 2006 05:14 AM
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Big Up Tanya! you're the quintessential artist of our time. Thanks for raising the bar of reggae to a new level. At the end of the day let it be said that you are ranked among the best female vocalist that ever came out of JA.
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Posted by: Momodou Camara
on October 3, 2006 03:17 AM
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Posted by: ras fonzo
on October 7, 2006 12:01 PM
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tanya you dee bess.keep it up gal
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Posted by: jamila
on October 12, 2006 09:52 PM
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i just love your voice and the new joint u have These Streets well i would love to see u but hope u get my message and i will be voting for u on tempo do not matter wot sound u bring out well by for now.
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Posted by: Simone
on November 10, 2006 03:00 PM
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I love ur song These streets! Keep on doin wat u do best
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Posted by: anthony
on November 15, 2006 01:14 PM
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I LOVE UR SONGS just keep up what u do best.i like ur style,music,dressing and u r my NUMBER 1 female artist
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Posted by: merlissa
on November 15, 2006 02:17 PM
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yea tanya da woman of da year who bring life 2 music love all ur songs stay doin ur thing mama
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Posted by: keish
on November 21, 2006 02:30 PM
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ooh,.... my... gosh.... tanya, yuh iz ah boss!
girl i love every song u sing, mostly 'these streets' keep up da good work, nuff respect. keish!
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Posted by: Carola John
on November 22, 2006 04:37 PM
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.....Tanya ...you are my girl..... i love you so much....yours songs are so real ..and heart reaching....i love every single one of dem...... keep doing your thing girl ..nuff luv
I never post to these silly forums... but I simply CANNOT have anyone named "Zulu" hating on Tanya Stephens!!(see comment below)
The complexity of her songwriting skills rivals that of any artist, in ANY genre. Tanya Stephens may very well be Caribbean music's saving grace!
Everyone should take note.
{ZULU}
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Posted by: Tamika Willims
on January 19, 2007 09:05 PM
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Tanya what can i say?....YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!!
You are a voice for women all over.....Gangsta Blues was great...but Rebelution has taken a stage for itself....i'm so proud of you girl...."cherry brandy"....."the truth"....."still a go loose"...."spilt milk"....Tanya, yu sell off.....
Nuff Love
Tammy
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Posted by: Stacy-Ann
on May 14, 2007 02:34 PM
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Hot!! Album............ You Go Girl
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Posted by: Evelyn
on July 3, 2007 12:45 PM
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Tanya this one of yo biggest fan back here in Guyana, girl i luv u and yo music, keep doin yo thing, u the BeSt. GoD BlEsS
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