Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell on October 22, 1968, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned Jamaican-American musician. Before entering the music industry, Shaggy served in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in 1988 and was deployed during the Gulf War as a field artillery cannon crewman. During his service, he continued developing his distinctive vocal style, which later became one of his musical trademarks.
Shaggy achieved his first major success in 1993 with a remake of "Oh Carolina," a 1960 ska hit originally performed by the Folkes Brothers. The song became an international hit and introduced him to a global audience. Ska, a Jamaican genre that blends calypso and jazz, is widely regarded as a precursor to reggae music. His rising popularity solidified with the release of his third studio album, Boombastic, in 1995. The album's title track became a worldwide sensation, reaching number one in several countries, including New Zealand and Australia, and showcasing Shaggy's unique blend of reggae fusion and dancehall.
Over the course of his career, Shaggy has released ten studio albums, seven compilation albums, and thirty-nine singles. His signature style, combining reggae with elements of pop and R&B, has earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated international fan base. His contributions to music have solidified his status as a global reggae ambassador and crossover artist.
Beyond his musical achievements, Shaggy is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his native Jamaica. In 2016, he donated over one million U.S. dollars to the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston through his charity organization, Shaggy and Friends Foundation. His efforts have significantly enhanced the hospital’s equipment and medical services for pediatric care.
In his personal life, Shaggy married Rebecca Packer, an art director and producer, in 2014. The wedding took place at Goldeneye, a luxury resort in Oracabessa, Jamaica, famously known as the former home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
In 2018, Shaggy collaborated with British musician Sting on the album 44/876, a project that blended reggae and pop influences. The lead single, "Don’t Make Me Wait," was well-received and marked a successful cross-genre partnership. The album went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2019, further highlighting Shaggy’s versatility and enduring appeal in the music industry.
| Birth Date: | 22 Oct, 1968 |
| Age: | 51 yrs |
| Occupations: | Singer |
| Citizenship: | Jamaica |
| Birth Place: | Kingston |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Jamaican reggae musician and former U.S. Marine |
| Net Worth 2020: | 14 million |
| Net Worth 2021: | 14 million |
