Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” Returns on 7” Vinyl This October

Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” Returns on 7” Vinyl This October

Recorded in 1973, Stalag 17 by Ansel Collins and Winston “Techniques” Riley became one of reggae’s most enduring riddims, later serving as the backbone for countless tracks. Nearly a decade later, at Harry J’s Recording Studio in 1982, Sister Nancy—working alongside Yellowman—cut her own version of the tune after hearing King Yellow’s take on Toots & The Maytals’ 1966 hit. The result was “Bam Bam,” recorded at Channel 1 after Nancy called up Riley to help her finish the album.

Though it didn’t initially chart in Jamaica, “Bam Bam” reached international prominence after being featured in Hype Williams’ 1998 film Belly, starring DMX and *Nas. The track has since become a global reggae staple, sampled by Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Groove Armada, and more. It was later listed among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone.

More than forty years after its release, Nancy’s story has been revisited in a new documentary featuring Janelle Monáe, Kool Herc, Pete Rock, Large Professor, and others reflecting on her impact.

Now, “Bam Bam” is once again available on 7” vinyl via VPAL Music and Techniques, backed with a heavyweight dub version of the original Stalag 17 riddim, mixed at King Tubby’s.