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Legendary reggae artiste Tanya Stephens believes hard-core dancehall hitmakers possess a "softer, soulful" side and are capable of expressing emotions other than the aggressive persona some tend to portray.

However, she said more entertainment spaces are needed for the artistes to expose their talents at more live acoustic events.

"Wi need fi start give di youth dem a chance. We need to create the space and invite dem in and give dem a chance to showcase dat side of themselves. This space is a code switch space where artistes can come and [express] their other sides that nobody allows in hard-core dancehall," Stephens told THE STAR.

The artiste, who was the scheduled headline act at the inaugural staging of District 5 live Acoustic Night series on Sunday, encouraged the artistes to "show wi seh yuh have feelings, yuh a good man and yuh loving too, apart from yuh a 'badman' and yuh 'chop'".

"Show wi seh yuh can massage and rub dung; and if dem in the space, dem wi show yuh. But wi nuh give dem no chance to express dat," she shared, while opining that sometimes these younger artistes' defensive and violent lyrics are reciprocated energy from being attacked and beaten down by the public and industry players.

"Suppose wi did walk ova to dem and hug dem, nuh hug dem a go hug yuh back? Suh if yuh tump dem, dem a go tump yuh back; dem a give weh dem get," she said.

Stephens said one-on-one sessions bring about a "therapeutic" atmosphere which resonate deeply with her and her loyal fans.

"It's always fun, and every time we get together it's different, because it's a real exchange and wi relationship real. A no supm we can rehearse and know seh dis a go happen, wi conversation organic, and anything is possible between things weh fun and uplifting and therapeutic, because [these sessions] is like therapy fa me and my fans," said Stephens.

"There are enough stage shows that put artistes up against each other. This kinda intimate setting used to be more prevalent, but in later days mi see dem a dwindle; and if yuh want to start develop more storytellers, den yuh have to create spaces for more stories to be told," she added.

Stephens said that while a veteran artiste might be able to go on a live stage show and tell their stories while performing against a "timed set", many young acts won't be "on their best game" because it can be "very distracting and nerve-wracking". But she felt that after a couple of songs and realising that the crowd is receptive, they will relax and there's room for growth.

"It's less intimidating, and the energy is real and we feed off it. It's far more nurturing," said the These Streets singer.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Stephen's 2004 album, Gangsta Blues. In celebration, she revealed that she will be doing a live recording of the album in Florida. Fans can also expect a 'Gangsta Blues' tour, slated for this year.