Tanya Stephens releases video for Ghett’a Life soundtrack
THE video for Tanya Stephens’ title track for the soon-to-be-released feature film, Ghett’a Life, is now complete.
The film which has already copped two awards at the Cannes Film Festival, opens Friday, July 29 in cinemas islandwide. Tanya Stephens, who has written an analytic and thought-provoking tune that closely matches the storyline of the film.
So let the rain fall, and let the wind blow, Cause after the rainfall must come a rainbow, I keep dreaming of a better life, cause me must get a life.
So reads the chorus of the tune, which echoes the essence of Ghett’a Life, which is an action-drama story of overcoming obstacles despite social and economic barriers.
The producers of the film note that Stephens’ involvement in Ghett’a Life was fitting, as she has penned some of the most memorable and touching reggae tracks for her audience, adding that the narrative in her tune is almost a mirror image of the social commentary of the film.
“The film takes you through the various elements of storytelling. It cleared up a lot of things for me about Jamaica and showed me that there is still hope for the industry and the people”, Stephens said.
The storyline of Ghett’a Life is set against the backdrop of Kingston’s innercity, and explores one boy’s attempt to achieve boxing glory and overcome his economic barriers. His efforts are persistent despite the political divide that threatens to tear his community and country apart. His journey takes him on a path that will force him to defy his family and his community and the result will either destroy him or bring his community together.
Having seen a rough-cut version of the film, Stephens praised its storyline. She explains that the lyrics had to be tailormade to match the circumstances of the film, as well as to fit the confines of what is known as a properly written song.
“That part was a bit of a challenge. I wanted to make it so that it was not too synonymous with the movie, yet reflect the themes of the movie. This is the first time the name of a movie has appeared so many times in a track I’ve done, so I had to make extra effort with this one.”
The music video to the track was directed by awar-winning film director Chris Browne, who also directed the film.
“Once we had a rough cut of the film in November last year Tanya came and saw it and wrote Get a Life specifically for the film,” Browne said. “The song is powerful; the lyrics and message became an anthem for the film, so it was important to us to do a video with Tanya which showcases not only her talent but also the entire concept of the film,” Browne maintained.

