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!

Virgin Islanders Tishauni Hall and Tiffany Brewley Awarded in KVI Network Creations, LLC Rhapsody & Rhyme Contest

Virgin Islanders Tishauni Hall and Tiffany Brewley were recently recognized for their artistic expressions in the KVI Network Creations, LLC Rhapsody and Rhyme Contest. Poets, spoken word artists, and rappers were invited to submit entries in the following categories: poetry, spoken word, and rap, with each submission required to include the theme's string #tag: Love-Above-the-Label.

Ms. Hall, the 2023 winner of the "Love Our BVI Culture" poetry competition in the youth category, tied for second place with her poem, "A Feeling You Cannot Ignore." Mrs. Brewley placed fourth with her piece, "Love that Binds." Melanie Johnson clinched the top spot in the poetry category with her poem "Loving Who." Kiyma Cooper tied with Ms. Hall for second place, and third place winner was Keisha Short with "My Rhapsody."

The #LoveAboveTheLabel theme emphasizes love beyond societal norms, stereotypes, and prejudices. It encourages artists to explore and celebrate love in all forms and promotes inclusivity, acceptance, and understanding. Judges, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, evaluated each entry based on criteria including emotional impact, technical proficiency, and cultural relevance. "We were thrilled to witness such incredible talent and creativity showcased in the Rhapsody & Rhyme Contest Event," remarked DiDi, one of the judges.

Another judge, Curry, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Visionary Men, shared, "The submissions truly captured the essence of the #LoveAboveTheLabel theme, showcasing raw emotion and authenticity. It was inspiring to witness artists breaking through barriers and using their voices to uplift and unite. KVI Network Creations, LLC has done a commendable job in fostering a space for such meaningful expression."

KVI Network Creations, LLC remains committed to supporting and promoting artistic endeavors that enrich and inspire communities worldwide through the principles of R.I.S.E. – Resilience, Inclusion, Service, and Empowerment. For media inquiries or further information, please email info@kvinetworkcreations.com or visit https://kvinetworkcreations.com/.

POEM: A Broken Pen

ink
blots, spots, and stains
only contain some of my
pain
less is never more
and while I stand
sore
the hawk soars in the
sky
eyeing its
prey
I pray that I am not
blinded
by the lights that
are my refracted
distraction
and there is no redaction
of the
word
sounds
that abound
with reverberation
... (sigh) the echoes
of a broken pen

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Members

there were days when I was all 'tongue in cheek'

and I thought my behavior was cute - even sweet
I didn't care about whether I was discreet
and had no regard for anyone on the streets
because their truth wasn't mine to keep
and while their hearts were cold - my tea was steeped
callous, you may call me, but my ego was heaped
hoarded and hopped up on conceit
and I didn't understand the meal - which was my feet
even after I ate both of them ... I didn't creep
since I was well-bosomed and smiled up with the elites
those whose cash flow stacked balance sheets
me - a little silly rabbit - bad habit
with no looking, fast-talking, and with bleeps
rise - fast, fall - hard
and even lard can't soften the dough
so that's when I called on the Lord to soften the blow
because all is good when you're in the show
but when tongue-in-cheek becomes the norm
tongue and teeth will fall out and cause harm

© Linette Rabsatt

You may smile because of the title of this poem; however, members is a biblical reference to parts of the body. I started this piece thinking about a local saying, "Tongue and Teeth Fall out." Who hasn't bitten their tongue before? We also like to describe sassy or flamboyant people as "tongue in cheek" or "cheeky."  I also added the cliche about the feet because it plays well with the other body parts found in the mouth or those that, unfortunately, end up there.

Poem: A Sample of My Simple Humanity

sweet scents stimulate my senses 

awakening all ambits of my aura

making me mellow as the melodies
penetrate my pores as they pour the
literature of love, life, and longing
evoking and erupting every extension of my existence
a sample of my simple humanity

© Linette Rabsatt

Here is my first blog post for 2024! I was not sure what I was going to write about. I had thought about highlighting one of my favorite reggae artists and had the music lined up to play. However, I put a little more effort into my garden.

I sat today to prepare a correspondence but ended up writing the first line of this poem. Then, I thought about how I would use the alliteration throughout. I started with the letter 's' and then decided to create an acrostic poem. Choosing the acrostic word was the other challenge. I considered using the word 'sap' but changed it to 'sample.'

This poem was an unplanned burst of inspiration. I want to maintain the same level of writing in 2024. I also want to perform more regularly at online poetry events.

I encourage everyone to 'invest in what grows you.' Your job title, family status and memberships do not define you. Our actions, role model behavior and inspiration are what define us.

Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book

I introduced you to Gabriel Skelton-Bardo with her first book, "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book."

Her next project, the "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book," was launched in 2023 and co-authored with Bernadine Walters-Louis. The book highlights the significant activities that occurred on Sunday, November 24, 1949, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Three young Virgin Islanders led about 1,500 others in a demonstration that shaped the political landscape in the territory.

These historical figures were:

• Theodore Faulkner (1914-1989), aged 35 at the time
• Isacc Glanville Fonseca (1923-1995), aged 26 at the time
• Captain Carlton L. deCastro (1915-1991), aged 34 at the time

Faulkner, Fonseca, and de Castro were not pleased with the suspension of the Legislative Council and that Antigua ran the territory. They rallied other Virgin Islanders and presented a petition to Commissioner John Augustus Cockburn Cruikshank. Their efforts yielded success, and in 1950, Virgin Islanders had their Legislative Council restored.

The "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book" teaches children about the Virgin Islands' history with interactive activities that sharpen fine motor skills.

The authors include these fun activities:

• Coloring
• Crossword Puzzle
• Color by numbers
• Letter practice

This activity book provides readers with essential information about Virgin Islands' history. I encourage you to get copies for yourself and your family members.

Visit the Colour ME BVI History Facebook Page to arrange copies of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book" and "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book."

POEM: Clerical Sense

one's preferences are either rational or irrational

although turbulence is neither defined as partial nor impartial

but you see that pretense is always intentional

and if I'm on defense, it means things have gotten critical

because an offense is usually described as something 'criminal'

while lenience could be viewed as an action that is non-committal

yet our differences encourage constant rebuttal

I know that reverence does not mean that you are spiritual

and using incense could never mean you believe you are magical

same way, having a license is not only what qualifies a professional

because competence is developed from doing practicals

we know that diligence may not put you on a pedestal

and common sense is not always available and perpetual

but having excellence means that your thinking is tactical

so your intense words should be for things that are unusual

go build your patience by reading something historical

because losing your conscience is indescribably brutal

never resort to violence because things become crucial

since indifference could be a strategy for survival

and severance is always an option, but so is reprieval

© Linette Rabsatt