Tanya Stephens @Jazz Cafe Review

Few dancehall artists have the range of styles or the broad appeal of dancehall emcee/singer Tanya Stephens, who touched down at the intimate Jazz Cafe on Tuesday. An irrepressible figure of energy, Tanya strode onstage with confidence befitting Jamaica's first lady of reggae. Backed by a depleted band she rolled through her catalogue of classic riddims from the last few years. An overtly sexual and strong female, her show was expertly peppered with banter smoothly linking her many frank and naughty tunes - from the instructional 'What Makes A Girl Come' to the massive 'Boom Wuk' and the celebratory 'Good Ride'.

While she is the undisputed Queen of Dirty, she can also pull off emotional and conscious tunes with ease and versatility. She smashed the sweet 'After You' on the classic Drop Leaf Riddim. When this was followed by 'Cant Breathe' - a stunning track that exemplifies her ability to straddle reggae and mainstream - my zut practically dropped out my open jaw.

Coming on all conscious on her her latest LP 'Rebeloution', she has demonstrated a talent for political observation, social understanding and subtle wordplay that lifted the Jazz Cafe with 'What A Day'. It lacked the acoustic impact of the original recording, but it was nonetheless a special moment hear it live, alongside my girls for whom the track has become a favourite.

Finishing with her classic 'Its A Pity', she left Jazz Cafe crowd with smiles to match the week's beaming sunshine. Her delivery did underwhelm at points, but that may have been attributed to half her band's absence. Regardless her energy, charisma, personality - and of course, tunes - were more than enough to ensure a great show. What A Day.