Sister Nancy—
ROOTS reggae dee jay Sister Nancy is among four persons being honored at the 13th staging of Icons of Soul slated for the Rochdale Community Centre in Queens, New York, on Saturday, November 8.
Sister Nancy, whose given name is Ophlin Russell-Myers, will be receiving the Living Legend Award for her long-standing contributions in the music industry.
The younger sister of deejay Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy first connected with hits such as Bam Bam, One Two and Cocaine at a time when Jamaica’s music business was still dominated by males.
Nancy’s version of Bam Bam was recently featured in a Reebok TV commercial.
Event conceptualiser Mikey Sterling said it has always been his desire to recognise those who have made a big impact on the music industry.
“We are talking about contributions from the soul, that’s the best place any real giving or service can come from,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “There are some who will never get recognised until after they are gone, I don’t believe in that. I want to honor them now while they are alive.”
Others receiving awards are: concert promoter Robert ‘Bobby’ Clarke, who will be getting the Man of the Year Award; Alma ‘Mama Alma’ Campbell The Queen of Promotions award; while Frano Francis will be getting The King of Promotions award.
Recipients of the Icon of Soul Award include Winston ‘Merritone’ Blake, Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell and radio broadcaster Jeff Barnes.