Tanya Stephens - Reggae Superstar and Top Lyricist

I am an absolute reggae music fan. I have written several articles on this blog about albums from Buju Banton, Steel Pulse, and Barrington Levy. I've written two poems about Bob Marley and an article titled "Reggae Love Songs for Valentine's Day or Any Day to Express Love."

From late 2023, I thought about writing about the artist I am featuring in this blog post. I've been listening to her since the 1990s, and I was always amazed by her frankness, rawness, and lyrical prowess. Tanya Stephens, who hails from Jamaica, has an extensive discography including "Boom Wuk," "Big Ninja Bike," "Handle the Ride," and "Rigormortis." 

I think that her lyrical content and flow are what set her apart from other artists. Tanya sings about life's challenges and also the good parts. Her songs are relatable because she sings about infidelity, heartbreak, and social issues. She also sings about sex but delivers the songs creatively and tastefully. 

Here are some of my favorite songs from Tanya Stephens.

"What A Day" Single
This song is what we describe as 'conscious" because it speaks to the perils of the world.
Hook:
What a day when war becomes a thing of the past
And peace, we will have it at last
And life is finally worth its cost and oh oh oh
What a day when men finally live what they teach
And love ain't just a concept we preach
And blood no longer runs in the streets
Oh oh oh, what a day

"After You" Single
Congratulations me hear yuh new girl's banged up
By di time di baby born me a mek sure yuh bankrupt
If me know divorce woulda be so sweet
I woulda beg di good Lord long time fi mek yuh cheat
Most people haffi sell drugs dem whole life fi this
All me do a say i do an tun yuh wife fi this
And yuh have the nerve fi a laugh when me fling back di ring
Well alright, when me done wid you

"Tek Him Back" on Gangsta Blues Album
I love this song because of the way she describes her experience after her disappointment with dating someone else's partner.
Hook:
And you can find im clothes dem pon de lawn
If when you come you nuh see me me gone
'cause me no love how yuh man ah peform
So, tek him back, wifey, tek him back
Look how me used to brag and show off
Down inna de end you have de last laugh
Even if it means dat mi haffi pop off
You ah go tek him back, wifey, tek him back

"These Streets" on Rebelution Album
This song has a tremendous message of heartbreak and tells the story of a boyfriend who changed for the worse.
I wish you woulda treat me like a ounce
Me know ya nah leggo that when yuh bounce
You shouldda deh home knock boots like ya timbsNeed fi act older than the size of ya rims
I wish you woulda stay pon me like ya phone man
And never leave the house wit out me like ya crome man
Boy I wish you woulda treat me like ya whips
Your girl's a perfect ten but your benz them only a 5 and a 6

"It's A Pity" Single

Unlike "Tek Him Back," this song speaks to the way she was falling for someone else's sweetheart.
Who knows? Maybe one day the world will be evolved enough
We'll share you in a civilized manner between the two of us
But until then I woulda love see you again
Me know we have fi play it by the stupid rules of men

"I'm Not Proud" Single
In this song, she expresses that she may not be proud how she felt, but I think we can all relate to these lyrics.
Can I believe you baby?
I thought I heard you say
You'd never leave me
but will you still feel that way
After a lifetime, and can you tell me everything still a criss
Is this the right time for me to be talking like this

If you have never heard her music or deeply listened to Tanya Stephens, search for her on all streaming platforms. She is indeed worth listening to!