16 Apr 2022
32m

The story behind one of reggae’s most sampled songs

Podcast cover

Life and Art from FT Weekend

The podcast explores the story of Sister Nancy's song "Bam Bam," its significance in reggae and dancehall music, and its widespread sampling across genres. Alice Kemp-Habib, a freelance journalist, discusses Sister Nancy's role as a female dancehall DJ and MC, the song's blend of Jamaican musical traditions, and its lyrical themes of female empowerment. The conversation also covers the nuances between reggae and dancehall, the legacy of Jamaican music, and Sister Nancy's struggle to receive royalties for her work, including her eventual legal action and return to music. Additionally, the podcast explores Twyla Tharp's Billy Joel dancical "Movin' Out" and the lessons learned from its initial failure and subsequent success.

Outlines

Part 1: Reggae History, "Bam Bam"

Part 2: Sampling, Royalties, Justice

Part 3: Creative Failure, Reframing

Part 4: Recommendations, Closing

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise