Tanya Stephens signs for Western Consciousness

Adrian Frater, Western Bureau

Earlier this year, thought-provoking lyricist Tanya Stephens was booked as one of the feature acts for the 2011 staging of Rebel Salute. However, to the absolute disappointment of her fans, she did not appear for reasons that were never explained.

Now news has surfaced that Rebel Salute's loss will definitely be Western Consciousness' gain, as the talented songwriter/singjay has affixed her signature to a contract with promoter Worrell King and will be one of the headline acts when the popular annual show unfolds at Paradise Park, Westmoreland, on April 30, 2011.

"Well, I am pleased to announce to all the world that Tanya Stephens will be at Western Consciousness 2011 and the fans can look out for a really special performance," said King. "We are just elated that we were able to convince Tanya to make it Western Consciousness this year."

While King is busy on the road recruiting both local and international acts, Tanya is not the only established international act that he has signed. The growing list includes king of the dancehall Beenie Man, who will be performing as Ras Moses, the messenger Luciano, Big Ship captain Freddie McGregor, the high-riding I-Octane, rising star Romain Virgo, Stevie Face and Iley Dread.

"Most fans have their favourite artistes and part of putting the line-up together is to try to satisfy the fans as much as possible," said King. "We are still recruiting, so more fan favourites will be added in the upcoming weeks."

King, who over the years has only signed artistes who are willing to comply with his 'no lewd or derogatory lyrics' stance, said regular fans need not worry that he is lowering his stance based on the lyrical trademark of some of the artistes in the line-up.

No regrets

"The artistes all know what I stand for and what will not be tolerated," said King. "Remember, we were the first to have Beenie Man perform as Ras Moses and he has done so twice and we have had no regrets - in fact, the fans got the kind of treat they would not have gotten at a regular show."

In addition to the slew of local stars already confirmed, King has also signed several overseas-based, top-flight acts. That list includes King Sounds, out of London, England; Supa Sas, also out of London; Jah Cutter, from Toronto, Canada; and the Transit Crew, from Zimbabwe, Africa.

"We want to expose the fans to a wide variety of acts, so it is a real pleasure to introduce acts like the Transit Crew and Supa Sas to a Jamaican audience," said King. "When the line-up is completed, I can promise you that it will be very impressive."