Sound Bar
Issue #29
Tanya Stephens’ Top 5 Dancehall Influences
By Kristina Francisco
Published: September 1st, 2006 | 12:00am
Jamaican dancehall star Tanya Stephens is a lady in a man’s world. On her fourth LP, Rebelution, she spews rhymes over rhythms that’ll have you wonder why you didn’t listen to dancehall before. For this Sound-Bar, she took some time to tell us who’s influenced her to make her music that’s so full of emotion and awesome beats.
1. The universe because it’s one huge dancehall overflowing with rhythms that keep us all grooving from our arrival here until our departure. Everything about life contributes to my songs, and just as I would invite you to listen to my favorite music, so would I invite you to seriously check out the beautiful rhythm and melody that is life.
2. Tanya Stephens. At a glance that might come across a little self-serving since I am Tanya Stephens, but I truly am the most adventurous and daring person I know who does not mind looking at the bad to tell a good story in the simplest most graphic yet subtle way imaginable. I inspire myself to outdo myself and provide me with my only source of healthy competition whether on hardcore or more laid-back “Lover’s Rock” dancehall rhythms.
3. I can’t put a number on Half Pint. He is a living legend. I honestly don’t believe dancehall, reggae, or Jamaica has given him the credit he deserves for having one of the most amazing catalogue of songs that has ever come out of Jamaica. He has perfect pitch and a beautifully unique voice with some of the catchiest hooks. Try Half Pint, 20 Super Hits — see if I lie!
4. Gregory Isaacs is one of the few artistes I can sing along with word for word. I’ve been crying to “Love Overdue” since I was very young. It’s also a great honor to me that “It’s A Pity” — which is one of my most popular songs to date — was actually recorded on a remake of the beat to Gregory’s “Night Nurse.” I simply adore him. Another great artiste not given his deserved props by the dancehall/reggae industry. Don’t take my word for it, pick up his Ultimate Collection and let me know if I lie.
5. Last but absolutely not least is Delroy Wilson, a great who passed on a few years ago. Here’s another artiste who helped to chart some of the tracks taken by my tears. I have felt a great many of his pains as depicted in his songs and my favorite of all time is “Who Cares.” I implore you to take a listen to Delroy Wilson Greatest Hits [Jamaican Gold].
You will probably notice all my dancehall influences are from earlier versions of dancehall, but these are what truly moved me, often to tears. I have brought them with me through every phase of my life and I am still as enamored as I ever was. I feel confident inviting you to check out what has never failed me yet. If you don’t share my taste, no sweat! We’ll see eye to eye on some other topic. Until then, Nuff Luv!
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