If there is a song that could be used to describe Viviene Tanya Stephenson, then it
would be Helen Reddy's "I'm Every Woman'. And maybe that's why she is fighting
so hard in a male dominated profession.
The no-nonsense, unassuming lady DJ will be the first to tell you that it's not
easy but she is striving for the day where "people will have a level of
confidence in my product. Anytime they hear a record from me they will rush to
get it as they know it will be wicked!"
That day might not be so far away as currently Tanya has several songs riding
the charts and airwaves that are cracking a lot of people up. Songs that quickly
come to mind are "What's Your Story", "Little White Lie"
and "Teck Him Back".
Right now Tanya is focusing on getting her VP-distributed album out. Titled
"Gangster Blues", the album features tracks such as "The Other Cheek", "Gangsta
Gal" (with Spragga Benz), "This Is Love" (with Wyclef Jean) and "What A Day".
Produced by Andrew Henton of Tarantula Records, Tanya believes this album is
going to be good.
She is excited about the project and already some promotional dates are lined up
for her in the United States to boost the album.
Born in St. Mary, Tanya attended St. Mary's High School. After leaving school
she got involved in the music business, as she puts it, "I was supposed to go
back to school and I needed an excuse not to, so singing became it."
Stephens, who used to write love songs while going to school, said she was too
shy to even think of singing them. But after leaving school, she started
practicing on her keyboard at home, then she recorded some songs on cassette and
contacted Penthouse, who referred her to New Name Music. There she met Noel
Brownie who was impressed with her voice and soon took her under his wings.
While nothing big came of that association, Tanya said she got a lot of valuable
experience. Soon after, she met producer Barry O'Hare and recorded "Is This For
Real" which didn't create any waves on the music scene. With a smile, Tanya says
although the song wasn't a success it's still a favourite of hers.
Tanya 'boxed' around for a while then took a break to give birth to her daughter
Kelly. She re-emerged in late 1995 with "Man Fi Rule" and "Gangsta Girl", which
enjoyed a lot of airplay and helped in launching Tanya in the spotlight as a
singer to be reckoned with.
It wasn't long before Stephens found the 'formula' with "You Nuh Ready Fi Dis".
The rest, as they say, is history.
Tanya has written so many hard hitting songs that we couldn't help but ask how
she came up with her lyrics. With a smile she promptly responded, I pride myself
on being a storyteller. Everything that I see happening around me is an
inspiration. I like doing something that's entertaining you know, just trying
to rhyme and sound cute. Well for now, Tanya refuses to be fazed, as she says, I
get my energy from the Almighty Father and from the haters.
If there is a song that could be used to describe Viviene Tanya Stephenson, then it
would be Helen Reddy's "I'm Every Woman'. And maybe that's why she is fighting
so hard in a male dominated profession.
