I will continue as long as I'm needed - Shaggy

After four years with one break from his December concert series Shaggy & Friends, international singer/DJ Shaggy will deliver yet another exciting entertainment package on the grounds of Jamaica House on January 7. And this year's line-up includes Grammy winner and gospel singer Deniece Williams.

In a interview with The Gleaner, Shaggy outlined plans for the concert, the way forward and his career plans for 2012.

The Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, chaired by his partner Rebecca Packer, and assisted by his Caribbean representative/concert producer Sharon Burke, has once again gathered a stellar slate of stars to perform for free to benefit its charity, the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Performers include Ms Lauryn Hill, Eve, Coco T, Maxi Priest, I-Octane, Mr Vegas, Gyptian, Tami Chynn, Romain Virgo, two surprise artistes and Shaggy himself.

"The format will be the same as in former years, there will be no band changes except for Ms Lauryn Hill and there will not be a master of ceremonies," Shaggy said, adding that the two surprise artistes have to remain a secret until Saturday night. He expressed thanks to all his friends who are once again performing for free. He said their gesture is gratifying when you consider that the Christmas and New Year period are peak money-earning times for them.

Changed due to election

Shaggy said the date of the concert was changed because, with the general election being previously scheduled to be held during the same week last year, many persons coming from overseas expressed fear of a repeat of the violence that has characterised past elections. Thankfully, there was none, but he continued, "Going forward, part of what I want to do will be to help raise awareness that we are not here shooting each other morning, evening, noon and night. We are not an uncivilised nation just waiting to kill people," he opined, adding that he is willing to spread the word to members of the diaspora who have expressed a desire to help his foundation with its work.

He revealed that he is willing to continue to stage the concerts as long as they are needed and that he does it because that is how he is naturally. "Once I am committed to something, I stick with it till I cannot do anymore," Shaggy said. But, he said that a concert would not necessarily take place every year. "Planning the concerts take a toll on you." Last year, he took a break to focus on the additions to his own family and he told The Gleaner that his twins are doing fine. However, he is pleased with the support he has received so far this year.

The hospital has benefited tremendously from his support that began with just him presenting a cheque from his shows. It was never a deliberate choice; for the first nine years, he made the cheque donations on his own. He said when Scotiabank came on board, the time was right to start the foundation. "This is not a money-maker for me, the venue can only hold a set number of persons, but we have developed a movement and we are raising awareness of the needs of the hospital. "Digicel has also come on board, as has the Chain of Hope and the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) that has recognised us for our work", and even donated toys to Shaggy's annual Christmas treat for the children at the hospital last year.

As he eyes Saturday's concert, Shaggy said his career plans for the new year include some positive focus that he will win the Grammy for which he has been nominated. "I am also planning to remaster my latest album with 10 songs and have it distributed in Jamaica. It has done well overseas but not here because the digital market was not that strong." Two tracks that are popular overseas and have received lots of airplay are Summer in Kingston and Sugarcane. His fans can catch him performing another new single Dame on 'The Jay Leno Show' on January 4. And later next year he will be the featured artiste on a new album by Sly and Robbie.

Tickets for the Shaggy and Friends 2012 show cost $25,000 - platinum section, $10,000 - gold, and $5,000 - silver, and can be obtained at the following locations: Liguanea Drug and Garden Centre, Susie's Bakery & Coffee Bar (Southdale Plaza), Music Mart, LG Service Station (Constant Spring Road), Sun Island Outlets, selected LIME outlets islandwide. All proceeds are in aid of the Bustamante Hospital for Children

Gates open at 6 p.m. and showtime is at 8 p.m.