Sister Nancy

Born Nancy Russell in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Sister Nancy grew up as one of 15 siblings. Her brother Robert, whom the family called Dickie, rose to prominence under the name Brigadier Jerry after launching his career chanting on Prince Norman’s sound system and later aligning with Jahlove Music. As the Brigadier’s standing as the leading cultural DJ strengthened, Nancy herself began making occasional appearances on the same sound system during her mid-teens. Winston Riley became the first producer to bring her into the studio, resulting in her 1980 debut single “Papa Dean.” The track’s positive reception marked the true launch of her professional path. She soon took the stage at Reggae Sunsplash, an event broadcast around the world, and delivered a memorable performance on A Dee Jay Explosion that included the songs “Chalice A Fe Burn” and “Boom Shacka Lacka.” In 1982 Riley released her debut album One Two, which contained the title cut along with “Aint No Stopping Nancy,” “Bam Bam,” and “Only Woman DJ With Degree.” Around the same period she teamed with Yellowman for a well-regarded version of “King And Queen.” Producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes next guided her through the recordings “A No Any Man Can Test Sister Nancy” and “Bang Belly,” plus a further duet with Yellowman titled “Jah Mek Us Fe A Purpose.” Nancy maintained a steady presence in the dancehall, frequently sharing the mic with her brother on the Jahlove Music Sound System. The sound system embarked on an international tour that drew enthusiastic praise, highlighted by a landmark show at Brixton Town Hall in London that introduced both Jerry and Nancy to British audiences for the first time.