Reggae icon Shaggy has defended his Jamaican authenticity, saying critics who question it have never been to Jamaica. Born and raised in Kingston, the 57-year-old singer, real name Orville Richard Burrell, addressed the criticism during an interview at London's Langham hotel, where he also discussed his global success, his voice's military cadence origins, and his upcoming West End appearance in Sting's musical The Last Ship.
Defending His Jamaican Roots
Shaggy, who was awarded the Jamaican Order of Distinction with the rank of Commander in 2007, said he is often criticized for not being "as authentically Jamaican" because he does not conform to stereotypical images. "Half of the people who judge me have never been to Jamaica. I live in Kingston, I was born in Jamaica, I was raised in Jamaica. So, I don't think there's anyone more authentic than me. I just move a little differently," he told Metro.
He explained that his approach to music and image was a deliberate strategy to avoid discrimination. "I took a different approach when I was doing music, I didn't dress in red, green, and gold, I don't smoke weed, I don't have dreadlocks, I don't speak in my native dialect all the time," he said. "I wouldn't have got on certain platforms otherwise. I would have been discriminated against. It used to be that people would automatically look down on you because you have an accent. But the way I've approached it has served me well."
The Voice That Divides
Fans are often surprised that Shaggy's speaking voice differs from the patois-inflected baritone heard on hits like "Mr. Boombastic." He attributes this to his time imitating German drill instructors during military service. "It's down to military marching cadences. I used to come out and sing imitating the German drill instructors. It just stayed like that. I have two completely different voices, but it works," he explained.
Despite the criticism, Shaggy's career has been marked by significant achievements, including two Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University. His music has also attracted famous fans, including Michael Jackson, who told him, "I loved It Wasn't Me and asked me if I wrote the lyrics. I said yes and he replied: 'It sounds like something I would write!'"
Friendship with Sting and West End Debut
Shaggy is set to star in The Last Ship, an original musical with music and lyrics by Sting, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 22 and 23 September. He described his friendship with Sting as unlikely but strong. "He's the guy that pushes me to do things that I'm uncomfortable with doing. He helps me to find comfort outside of my comfort zone. We have a friendship that we never thought that we would have. We go out of our way to connect," Shaggy said.
He also revealed why he turned down a chance to work with Rihanna, despite being asked to submit songs for her. "They asked me to make some songs and see what she would like, but I wanted the experience of being in the studio with Ri. I've known her from when she just started, I've seen her growth," he explained. "She's iconic, but if I'm going to create with her, let's do it together. Sending records in feels like you're auditioning. So, I just didn't feel like doing that."
Shaggy's new album, Lottery, is out now.
