By Howard Campbell–
SISTER Nancy’s Bam Bam, recorded 30 years ago, is one of two songs written by Jamaicans on the soundtrack for 2014’s most controversial movie, The Interview.
Pon de Floor, written by Vybz Kartel and performed by Electronic Dance Music group Major Laser, is also part of the soundtrack which includes songs by Eminem, Usher and Isaac Hayes.
Sister Nancy (given name Ophlin Russell-Myers) had a resurgent year with Bam Bam which she first recorded for producer Winston Riley in the mid-1980s. Bam Bam was also featured in a Reebok television commercial.
The Interview had a limited release by Sony on Christmas Day in the United States. The comedy, starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, surrounds a plot to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
The movie angered North Korea, which threatened military strikes against the United States if it was released. Sony initially postponed the release but opened on Christmas Day in only 331 cinemas.
The Interview has so far made a modest US$2.8 million at the box office. Digitally, it has fared better, earning US$15 million through rent or purchase online.
Sister Nancy, younger sister of deejay Brigadier Jerry, started her recording career in 1980. Now a bank accountant in New Jersey, she performs regularly in North America and Europe.