It has been some time since singer/songwriter Tanya Stephens released an album. Her last album, Rebelution , came out in 2006.

She, however, has plans to deliver a new project later this year.

Stephens told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash that the project was slated for release last year, but the time was not right.

“Everything was ready for the release last year. But I decided to put it on hold. I just didn’t feel that the environment was right for me to drop the album. I am a little more comfortable with how things are looking and feeling, so look for it later this year,” she said.

She was tight-lipped about the details of the project and was unwilling to reveal the title, but said the music represented where she is in her life at this time.

“It’s really my thoughts which have been poured into this project. There is commentary about the social, political and economic climate in which we exist. My idea is to use the music to continue and enhance the coversation and I am looking forward to the conversation which springs from these ideas which I have shared in the upcoming album,” Stephens said.

Never one to shy away from ideas related to sex and sexuality, Stephens stated that these themes are also present in the soon-to-be released project.

“As women it is believed that, as we age, we should lose all feelings and our libido, and if we don’t lose these feelings, we should never express them. But I am clearly not a typical 45-year-old woman. So I pay homage to this natural part of human growth and development. I do so proudly and truly enjoy it,” she shared.

Stephens admits that she used the majority of the past year to complete her writing and recording for the album and, as a result, was not on the road as much.

On Tuesday, Stephens was recognised by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) for her contribution to the growth and development of the local music industry as a songwriter.

Tanya Stephens emerged in the late 1990s. She is best known for her hits including Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet, These Streets, It’s A Pity, What a Day and What’s your Story.