#AOTM137: Sister Nancy – Roof Over Mi Head

19th October 2015WORDS: Jago

‘Roof Over Mi Head’ is one of the tracks from her debut ‘One Two’ LP, which was released on the ‘Techniques’ label in 1982. This song was recorded at Studio One and produced by Winston Riley, with instrumentalist legends Sly & Robbie.

Sister Nancy’s sweet voice running in a dancehall style may have been a shock to people. However, anyone who heard her at that moment in time, when it was something unusual, would have been pleasantly surprised.

You can really hear the influence of her elder brother’s story telling style in this track. She touches on the necessity for the basics, with her commentary on the living conditions in Jamaica at the time. This track touches on the basic, but tough issues, at the same time as capturing a feeling of true happiness via her delivery. Like many of her tracks, this is a timeless classic that I love listening to, whatever the time. Night or day, let it play…