Lady G & Sister Nancy To Headline Concert
[Written by Patrick Bean]
It is often said that respect is earned, rather than given, and none would argue against reggae pioneers Lady G and Sister Nancy having distinguished themselves as legitimate ‘Queens of the Dancehall.’
The pair stand as music royalty and so it comes as no surprise that concert promoter Jamal Hart and his team deemed the genre’s leading ladies be honoured as both are showcased when they take to the stage June 1, fittingly, at Queen Elizabeth Park [Par-la-Ville car park].
Each promise old and new school reggae lovers a night to remember at the upcoming Catch A Fire musical explosion, which will also feature veteran performer and former child prodigy Little John, who some regard as the first dancehall singer.
Set to lay down the tracks after infusing their own manner of musical theatre is the renowned Metro Media Sound System comprising Oliver and Sky Juice, icons unto themselves.
Lady G
From the moment ‘Nuff Respect’ dropped, Lady G, born Janice Fyffe, rose in stature as a commanding female presence among a hitherto male-dominated genre able to skillfully ride riddims.
Her bold, unapologetic delivery and stage performances are legendary, with the artist causing many a stir at the infamous Sting stage shows of the late 1980s.
Mentored by none other than Lord Sassafrass and having made numerous hit singles and collaborations — “Legal Rights” and “Round Table Talk” — with Papa San and famous clashes involving Lady Mackerel, Sister Charmaine, Patra, and Junie Ranks, Lady G maintains a place among dancehall hierarchy.
Yet, belying her rank, the 56-year-old star performer expressed stark humility when asked her thoughts on being selected as an Catch A Fire awardee.
“It’s an honour to be recognised,” said Lady G, from her base in New Jersey. “For an artist to have been in the business for so long and to still be recognised is an honour and a joy.”
“I’ve been to Bermuda before, but it’s been a long time since then. I had ‘Nuff Respect’ and those songs that were out around the time and it was myself along with an opening act and it was a great show of Lady G in concert. There was a great turnout and a good vibe.
“I regard myself as a queen because of the way I represent myself and what I stand for. The type of music that I sing and I think that is the reason why, for 30-odd years, I’ve been respected.
“I’m not one to ring my own bell, but my name speaks volumes whenever it is mentioned. I’ve seen it wherever I go how my presence is felt and there’s always respect from the people.”
Born in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Lady G advised the people of Bermuda to come prepared with a positive attitude and a mood to party, as she seeks to infuse energy from the crowd into her own performance.
“Just come to have a good vibe, because the energy I receive from you is the energy I give back,” she said. “I want everyone to come ready to listen, enjoy and vibe with Lady G.”
Sister Nancy
Sister Nancy’s everlasting hit ‘Bam Bam,’ according to Billboard, is among of the most sampled songs of all time and one which launched Ophlin Russell into the stratosphere of reggae greats.
Unquestionably the first notable female dancehall DJ, Sister Nancy has, at once, been described as a “dominating female voice” for more than four decades on the dancehall scene.
“I’ve been an artist for 47 years,” said Sister Nancy, the sister of prominent dancehall veteran Brigadier Jerry. “I think I am one of the originals who still works like a horse, because I perform more now than when I was 20-years-old.
“I’m 63 and I think to persevere in the business you have to keep it real, keep it clean and do good music.
“I did good music and that is why I’m still here doing this. You have to do good music that people still want to listen to 40 years after you do it.
“Because even though Bam Bam is 42-years-old, I’ve really just started benefiting from it.
“Longevity comes from good music, clean music, music that people can enjoy for years upon years.”
Like compatriot Lady G, Sister Nancy expressed gratitude in regard to her being recognised as a pioneer for women in the dancehall music industry.
And, despite being world travelled, she was excited about her upcoming excursion to the Islands of Bermuda.
“What else can I say, it’s a pleasure for me,” she said. “I came to Bermuda once before and I’m feeling good about returning again and I’m looking forward to performing with Lady G and Little John.
“It’s always nice for me to go to different places and really nice for me to come to Bermuda, because I know people want to see me there.
“Catch A Fire is all about roots and culture. Because I never change, dilute, mix, or blend my performance and my music; its 100 percent culture.
“So Bermuda should know to expect niceness, a variety of different lyrics.
“We a go rock dem, truly rock dem, because when me perform it’s a hell of a thing. It’s a dangerous thing when I perform and Bermuda can expect nothing different.
“You can expect the best from Sister Nancy.”
Her own stature unrivalled, Sister Nancy encouraged all females to envision themselves as queens.
“All of the women, we are all queens,” she noted. “I can speak for myself and some of the sisters who see themselves as queens, because we are all queens.
“We are queens in whatever we do. In every aspect, whether as a singer, DJ, or something else: a woman is a queen.
“I was born like that. I’ve always been a queen.”
Tickets for the June 1 event can be purchased from Ptix.bm, Jamaican Grill, Fish n Tings, Uplift, Kit n Caboodle and Freshmens. General tickets cost $75, while VIP access is $150.
Gates will open at Queen Elizabeth Park at 7.00pm, with Metro Media Sound System featuring Oliver an Sky Juice, and Prophecy providing the early warm up.
Live artists start at 9.00pm, with the local line-up containing the likes of Culture, Sister Beverly, Junior Tyon, Princess Black, Junior C, Amora Rose, and Lady Tyson, hosted by Live Wires. There will be an after party from 12.00am to 2.00am featuring Juggling J, Dj I-Breeze, and Metro Media.
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