Sister Nancy was born Ophlin Russell on January 2, 1962 in Kingston, Jamaica. She is credited as the first female dancehall dj and is known for being one of the most dominating artist in the dancehall circuit. Her lyrical prowess enabled her to capture the listening ears of reggae lovers globally when she gave them “Bam Bam”, a classic reggae anthem. Nancy is the younger sister of reggae legend Brigadier Jerry and started making a name for herself by her mid-teens.  Her real live experience started on Jah-Love Muzik and Stereophonic sound systems with artist like General Echo. In most instances she would be the only female artist to perform at those dances. Though her parents were spiritually grounded, her musical quest would keep her away from home for months at a time. Nancy travelled around Jamaica with dj Junior Chalice and was given the opportunity to perform at an event in St. Thomas. Surrounded by male counterparts, she was a nervous wreck but held her own. Such an experience taught the brave 16 year old how to handle herself on stage for future shows. 

In 1980, producer Winston Riley was the first to take her into the studio, which resulted in her first single, “Papa Dean” for his Techniques label. The popularity of her name thrusted her into stardom; thus, helping her to create history. Quickly becoming a household name in her embryonic career, the popularity of this female sensation catapulted after an epic performance at “Reggae Sunsplash”, the biggest reggae festival in the world. Being the first female deejay at such event propelled her into history as she is also the first Jamaican female deejay to tour internationally. Sister Nancy had further success with the release of her debut album in 1982 entitled “One Two”. The masterpiece gave us singles such as the title “One Two”, “Money Can’t Buy Me Love”, “Transport Connection” and the timeless classic “Bam Bam”. She went on to record with producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes on “Bang Belly”, “A Nuh Any Man Can Test Sister Nancy” and the collaboration with Yellowman, “Jah Mek Us Fi A Purpose”. She continued touring and making live appearances at various events with Jah-Love Music Intl’. In 1982 the sound system toured internationally with both Nancy and Brigadier Jerry, thus making their UK debut performances at the Brixton Town Hall in London.

Despite his first album being released after hers, Sister Nancy credits her brother as her main source of inspiration. His charismatic stage presence and unique voice projections have clearly influenced her work and career. Aspects of his vocal patterns and culturally conscious Rastafarian lifestyle are found in much of her music. In 1996, she migrated to the USA and settled in the state of New Jersey. Her quest to enhance her future with a better life is what persuaded her to attend college. She would once again set another trend by becoming the first female dancehall dj to earn a college degree. Her fate led her to achieve work in the banking sector after earning an Associate’s degree in Accounting.  Russell expressed that although she enjoyed working in the financial world, “music is her first love “. She further explained that her brief hiatus from recording was due to her wanting to “give other female artists a chance” in this male dominated industry”. With such thought, many considered Russell as a role model for future generation of female artists.

In 2007, she released her second album, “Sister Nancy Meets Fireproof”, produced by Dj Mush1, formerly of the Slackers (NYC Ska) on Special Potato Records. The album was distributed by Jammyland Records in New York. In 2011, after seeing major changes in the industry, Nancy talked about the major impact Rastafarian women have on the success of reggae music. The level of respect from male counterparts improved significantly due to the fact that women starting singing more spiritual messages about love and morality. In her view, rasta singers were free to act and say as they please on stage.

Upon its original release in 1982, “Bam Bam” has been a fixture in other genres of music ever since. While the song was originally recorded in 1966 by Toots & The Maytals, Nancy’s version has been re-recorded and sampled over 80 times in various genres. The track caught the attention from the likes of Reebok, Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Damian Marley and several world famous producers. The track is also featured in the opening scene of the 1998 movie “Belly”. The version uses Ansel Collin’s legendary 1977 instrumental “Stalag 17”, a well known riddim and arguably the most popular backing track in reggae. In 2001, the 12” remix vinyl of “Bam Bam” for Canadian producer Krinjah started the raga-jungle revival in North America. In 2014 Reebok used the song in a commercial and had to settle a lawsuit on royalties for the singer. In 2016 Sister Nancy retired from her bank accountant job in New Jersey so she could pursue music and full time. She is still touring the globe with performances at major events and is always a fan favorite. Her legacy is significant to reggae for being a pioneer and role model for most female dancehall artists. An Icon and mother figure amongst other reggae giants, she is happy with her success and finally getting her royalties.