Sister Nancy Finally Receives Her Royalties

Sister Nancy has secured royalties for her 1982 hit “Bam Bam” after a years-long fight that culminated in a 2014 legal settlement. Following the settlement, she received back pay for the last 10 years and now earns 50% of the song’s royalties going forward, allowing her to retire from her bank job.

The legal battle:
Nancy took legal action after seeing her song used in a 2014 Reebok commercial, realizing she had never been paid for its use, despite it being extensively sampled by many artists and appearing in various media.

The settlement:
The case was settled, and she won a 50% ownership share of the song. She also received compensation for the ten years prior to the lawsuit, which she has described as a life-changing event.

Ongoing recognition:
The settlement has allowed her to be more directly compensated, though the initial fight was long and difficult. She has also publicly acknowledged artists like Jay-Z for properly crediting and paying her when they sample her music.

Daughter’s influence:
Nancy credits her daughter with pushing her to take legal action and fight for what was rightfully hers.