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Pure Shaggy
Get your dancing shoes on because the reggae superstar can't wait to feel Dubai's vibe at his concert here on Thursday. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter met with media on Tuesday.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 5, 2007
- Who: Shaggy; What: The 2nd LIFE Music Festival; Where: The Madinat Arena, Jumeirah; When: Tomorrow; from 9pm; Tickets: Dh190 and Dh250. Call 800 4669 or visit www.boxofficeme.com
- Image Credit: Tracy Brand/Gulf News
The message from from reggae superstar Shaggy to his fans? “Wear something comfortable.'' It's good advice for those that are preparing for his concert on Thursday.
Having just stepped off a plane and out of his hotel shower cubicle, the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter met with Dubai's media at Mall of the Emirates' Virgin Megastore on Tuesday.
Looking chilled as usual, the star swaggered to his seat and proceeded to send his warm smile around the room of journalists, photographers and film crews.
And it wasn't long before he took to the floor and put everybody at ease.
“Check'' he boomed into the microphone, as if testing the equipment in his studio back home. “Check'' he repeated and the crowd giggled in anticipation of what was coming next.
“Well,'' he said. “Here I am in Dubai and I'm so pleased to be here. I'd like to thank everyone who has made this concert possible and can't wait to feel the vibe here in Dubai.
“The audience can expect excitement from the show and a whole lot more after that! I'd suggest everyone wear comfortable clothes because the dancing just won't stop.
“I've been blessed over the years with some great songs which will always be anthems to many. So I guess I can promise some old and new in order that everyone can get involved and sing along and have a good time.
“Ladies, I suggest you all wear something sexy…''
Covered nearly from head to toe in the obligatory bling, Shaggy appeared fresh, smiling and full of fun as he interacted with the crowd and photographers.
Shaggy is well-known for his great vibe and enthusiasm on stage. He is known to be a master of styles from reggae, dance and pop to R&B — meaning there is something for everyone in each of his shows.
His international success began in 1993 with the release of his debut album, Pure Pleasure, which featured Oh Carolina, one of the biggest UK pop singles.
Boombastic in 1995 really put the singer on the map but it is, and probably will always be, It Wasn't Me in 2000 that most remember him for.
“I think I finally knew I'd made it after Boombastic. After Oh Carolina was received and accepted, my record company handed me a cheque for £1 million (Dh7.2 million) which is more money than I really even knew existed. The cheque for Boombastic was more and the rest, as they say, is history.''
Shaggy had just one message to get across loud and clear: “It's always about the song''. He said to him music would always come first and admitted he made mistakes while working with Janet Jackson as they'd never met in person throughout the project.
“You need to feel someone and their style but most of all it's all about the song.
“I have worked under five different record labels over the years which has resulted in a bumpy ride. But I was never willing to compromise the music for a look or policy. I've always stood by my songs and am proud to say that I have made it work and stayed true to myself.''
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