Sister Nancy, Marion Hall, Lady G and Lila Iké to receive keys to Paterson, New Jersey
Key Points(5)
- The two-day event, scheduled for August 1-2 at Eastside Park, will mark both a decade of Jamaica Day celebrations and Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence.
- Sister Nancy, one of the first female dancehall deejays to gain international recognition, will be honoured for her more than four decades in music and the global influence of her 1982 hit “Bam Bam,” which has become one of reggae’s most sampled songs.
- The track has been sampled by several major artists, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Jr Gong Marley.
- “We are deeply honoured to have Sister Nancy at Jamaica Day this year, as we celebrate her incredible achievements,” said Bill McKoy, founder of the Bill McKoy Foundation.
- “Her music has transcended borders, united people across cultures, and continues to inspire audiences around the world.” Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, will receive her honour during Sunday’s Gospel Fest.
Four generations of Jamaican music will be celebrated in Paterson, New Jersey, this weekend as Mayor Andre Sayegh presents the Key to the City to reggae and dancehall icons Sister Nancy, Minister Marion Hall, Lady G and Lila Iké during the Bill McKoy Foundation’s 10th Annual Jamaica Day Celebration.
The two-day event, scheduled for August 1-2 at Eastside Park, will mark both a decade of Jamaica Day celebrations and Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of independence.
Sister Nancy, one of the first female dancehall deejays to gain international recognition, will be honoured for her more than four decades in music and the global influence of her 1982 hit “Bam Bam,” which has become one of reggae’s most sampled songs.
The track has been sampled by several major artists, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Jr Gong Marley.
“We are deeply honoured to have Sister Nancy at Jamaica Day this year, as we celebrate her incredible achievements,” said Bill McKoy, founder of the Bill McKoy Foundation. “Her music has transcended borders, united people across cultures, and continues to inspire audiences around the world.”
Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, will receive her honour during Sunday’s Gospel Fest. Hall shifted her career toward ministry following a spiritual transformation in 2015.
“Minister Marion Hall’s remarkable testimony is one of courage, redemption, and unwavering faith,” McKoy said. “Her decision to dedicate her gifts and platform to glorifying God has inspired countless individuals around the world.”
Lady G, born Janice Fyffe, will also be recognized for more than 30 years of contributions to Jamaican music and her role in paving the way for women in dancehall.
“Lady G has earned her place among the legends of Jamaican music,” McKoy said. “She has proudly represented Jamaica across the world while helping to define an era of dancehall music.”
Grammy-nominated reggae singer Lila Iké will be honoured for carrying reggae’s messages of unity and justice to a new generation of listeners.
“Lila Iké represents the future of reggae music while honouring the rich legacy of those who paved the way before her,” McKoy said.
The celebration will also feature performances from artists including Lady G, Rhoda Isabella and Golda McFarlane, representing multiple generations of Jamaican music.
The free, family-friendly event will include Jamaican cuisine, cultural exhibitions, artisan vendors and activities for young people.
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