Tanya Stephens, born Vivienne Stephenson on July 2, 1973, emerged as one of the most promising female reggae artists in the late 1990s. Her breakthrough came in 1996 with the hit “Yuh Nuh Ready fi Dis Yet,” which gained significant attention and was featured on the Reggae Gold 1997 compilation. Stephens worked with renowned producers such as Barry O’Hare, Bobby “Digital” Dixon, Harvel “Gadaffi” Hart, and Dave and Tony Kelly, enhancing her reputation in the reggae scene.
She released a series of successful singles including “Draw fi Mi Finger,” “Freaky Type,” and “Cry and Bawl,” alongside albums Too Hype in 1997 and Ruff Rider in 1998. Additionally, Stephens contributed backing vocals to Garnett Silk’s 1998 album Journey, showcasing her versatility as an artist. After a brief stint in Sweden experimenting with alternative rock, she returned to her reggae roots with the VP Records-released album Gangsta Blues (2004) and its hit singles “Boom Wuk” and “It’s a Pity.”
In 2006, Stephens released the ambitious album Rebelution, focusing on themes of female empowerment and further establishing her as a significant voice in reggae. Tanya Stephens’ journey through different musical styles ultimately reaffirmed her commitment to reggae, where she continues to inspire with her unique blend of music and empowering messages.