Dancehall singjay Tanya Stephens accepts a framed notice of her scholarship from Aldain Reid, regional director of Resource Development International North Caribbean on Wednesday. Stehpens will read for a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Controversial singjay Tanya Stephens' 'rebelution' may just have to take a back seat while she furthers her education and expands her horizons.

On Wednesday, she was awarded a Resource Development International (RDI) scholarship to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom.

Media representatives were invited to witness the handing over of the scholarship at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, where a bubbly Stephens, the second recipient of the scholarship, stepped out in signature shades, a cleavage-baring number and heels.

The event was attended by Jeffery 'Assassin' Campbell, the first scholarship winner who is said to be doing exceptionally well with his programme and who found out a month ago that he was at the top of his class.

"It is not about As or Bs, we get distinctions and passes," explained the Red Square member who said he has not failed any subjects thus far. He added that he was very proud of Stephens and wished her all the best, while stating that the course is not a walk in the park, but takes dedication.

"The premise for the scholarship was to identify public figures who are doing something of substance, and this year Tanya won the vote," said regional director of RDI North Caribbean, Aldain Reid.

Asked whether the scholarship will be awarded only to individuals in the music industry, Reid said he was not quite sure about that, as they were now looking into the possibility of establishing a scholarship exclusively for artistes in order to give other members of the society who are excelling a chance at receiving the RDI scholarship.

Keynote speaker, dancehall scholar and radio talk show host Dr Donna Hope, applauded RDI's initiative. "On my show I get many calls from individuals who consider artistes to be dunce heads, but these are bright ladies and gentlemen, and I would like to thank RDI for seeing this and making a contribution to tertiary education and to the society," said Hope.

Stephens, known for hits such as It's A Pity, These Streets, Boom Wuk and White Lies, took to the podium, and wittily began her response by mentioning that emcee Simon Crosskill always has her laughing. Then she added, "But if you know me, I am always laughing, so maybe him nuh dat funny".

She expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, saying, "I am really happy and don't take this lightly. You will not be disappointed. I appreciate this and will do my best".

"Money is not the only thing to be taken into consideration," she added. "Had it been left up to me, I probably would have procrastinated for the rest of my life. There wasn't any system to accommodate people like me before. I tried on many occasions to go back to school, but was told I had to be there 90 per cent of the time, which I could not do if I wanted to pay for the course."

RDI, established in Jamaica in 2005, is a distance-learning option for Jamaicans to pursue Bachelor's and Master's degrees with top British universities.

Having already started the course, Stephens concluded by thanking her family and telling them, "You guys will have to help me study".

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