KNOWN for her strong reggae and dancehall hybrid sound, Tanya Stephens has created waves in the industry with what she has dubbed a ‘rebelution’. One of the latest steps in her brand of rebellion was her recent performance at Caribbean Fashion Week.

Many of our readers may ask where she’s been, as she isn’t one to jump into the spotlight. Being in the music business for more than a decade, Stephens has remained fresh and relevant to music lovers around the world while avoiding the drama of the industry.

“There has never been a lot of Tanya Stephens anywhere,” she said. “I only do performances and release singles with relevance — and that makes my listeners and I feel comfortable.” That’s how you know she’s really passionate about the music, not just the business side of the industry.

Her well-rounded personality keeps her humble. When asked about her life outside of music, she explained that she considers herself a family woman who loves her children unconditionally. She also told Flexx that if she was not making music, she would definitely be doing child care or early childhood education.

But Stephens’ personality doesn’t end there. She also told us about her ‘green’ and her philanthropic plans.

“Going green is not a rich people thing and we want persons to realise this. This is why I will be launching my ‘Go Green’ project at the Jamaica Eco-Festival on the 17th of July in St Mary.”

But what’s the style behind the mother, musician and lover of life? “Mi nuh have nuh preferable style enuh. I believe in just being comfortable, because comfortable people are happy people.” Those sound like good words to live by.

Be sure to catch Tanya Stephens at the Eco-Festival this weekend and at Reggae Sumfest on International Night One (July 22). Her passionate performances are sure to excite everyone in attendance.

Additionally, international fans can look out for upcoming tour dates as well, like the Infallible tour in the United States where she will perform alongside Marcia Griffiths, Serani and I-Octane.

It’s safe to say that Tanya Stephens is still going strong in the music industry and will be for years to come.

— Chavon Panton and Kimberley Sherlock