Mark Lane Mural

Gregory Issacs

(January 2, 1962 – Present)

History

Sister Nancy, formally known as Ophlin Russell-Myers is known to the world as the first female dancehall DJ. From her mid-teens, she would perform on the Twelve Tribes of Israel sound system Jahlovemuzik which was operated by her elder brother Brigadier Jerry.

She was born into a conservative household, but DJing was her passion to the point where she often ran away for months at a time. In 1980, producer Winston Riley took her into the studio, where he produced her first single Papa Dean. She performed at Reggae Sunsplash where she was the first female deejay to grace the stage as well as the first female Jamaican deejay to tour internationally.

History cont'd

Sister Nancy added to her list of accolades, hits such as One Two, Money Can’t Buy Love, Transport Connection and Bam Bam. In 1996 Sister Nancy relocated to New Jersey and noted in a Jamaica Observer interview that even though she was working in the banking sector, music was her first love and that her withdrawal from the recording scene was to give other female artists a chance.

Sister Nancy may be seen as a role model for female acts such as Lady Saw, Sister Carol, Macka Diamond, Lady G, Lady English and Lady P.

Affiliated Artists

Monique Kidd

Jason Goss

Music Media Player