By Kevin Jackson—
Tanya Stephens
Some Kinda Madness, the eighth studio album by Tanya Stephens, is slated for release on September 3, via Tads International Record.
Produced by Tad Dawkins Jr, it features two previously released singles — Diamonds in The Sun featuring Cedella Marley and Diana King, and Fifty, a collaboration with Patra.
“Me and Tads have been trying to do work for a long time and somehow something else gets in the way. Yes, we’ve done singles before and this is our first album. This has been one of the most comfortable experiences that I’ve ever had. He doesn’t compromise when it comes to the music,” Stephens disclosed.
Some Kinda Madness’ lead single, Diamonds in The Sun, has topped regional charts, in South Florida and New York.
“I didn’t expect people to move to the song like that because of the subject matter. I was really talking about abuse in the song,” said Tanya Stephens.
But the local buzz has been on Fifty. Accompanied by a lyric video featuring mature female dancers, Fifty has been making the rounds on social media.
“I turn 50 next year and I am celebrating everything about that. Fi mek it to half a century in these times is a big achievement. Plus, mi go through so many changes. Mi like mi right yah suh. I think that right now is the best of me,” said Stephens.
She added, “I didn’t want to do the song alone. Mi did waan dweet with an accent, I felt it would’ve been a better song. I couldn’t think of anyone else but Patra. She said yes and it’s history now.”
Patra, who was signed to Sony Music in the 1990s, is known for a string of hits including Pull Up to The Bumper, Worker Man, Romantic Call, and Dip And Fall Back.
She welcomed the chance to work with Stephens.
“Everywhere I go in the world, they always ask me who are some of the Jamaican artistes I look up to, and is always Tanya Stephens’ name that pops up. Lyrics-wise, she is one of the best lyricists ever,” said Patra, who is also approaching 50.
“What I love about the word Fifty and the number 50, is that for me, I’m almost 50. It’s the most beautiful thing that could’ve come up at this moment and time. I was so happy to be a part of the song.”
Tanya Stephens, whose real name is Vivienne Stephenson, emerged in the early 1990s with the hit song Big Things A Gwaan. Later hits include Yuh Nuh Ready fi dis Yet, Boom Wuck, Goggle, Freaky Type, Little White Lie, These Streets, and What A Day.
She signed with Warner Music Sweden in 2001 and released the album Sintoxicated. Her critically-acclaimed albums include Gangsta Blues and Rebelution.
Patra (left) and Tanya Stephens
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