Shaggy - File

Stage Name: Shaggy

Real Name: Orville Richard Burrell

Birth Month: October

How did you get started in the business?

Shaggy: "Pretty much as an accident. It started as a hobby; from the hobby it led to it being professional after a while."

What has been your greatest challenge in the business?

Shaggy: "Longevity. Trying to achieve longevity has been one of the greatest challenges; finding strategic ways to re-invent myself."

What have you been up to lately?

Shaggy: "Last year was mainly touring, we did the song Feel The Rush which was a huge song. We put out the Intoxication album independently which was my first independent album. We had Church Heathen, What's Love which were huge records for us, now we got nominated for a Grammy. It wasn't too bad a deal after all."

Do you look up to any specific artistes?

Shaggy: "Whole heap of artistes! Whole heap I like for different reasons. Tek for instance a James Brown; that was one of the best meetings I ever had when he look at me and seh you have that 'it' factor that was unique. Jamaican acts, people like Sizzla mi think just incredibly talented> Him stand up for him own whether you agree wid him or not. People like Tarrus Riley who a mek some wicked tune, very unique style, favourite female artiste is like Queen Ifrica weh just incredible."

Are you happy with the way things are going for your career?

Shaggy: "Oh absolutely! It's going exactly the way I planned it."

Do you have any advice for young artistes in the business?

Shaggy: "Be passionate about what yuh doing, 'cause the passion leads to the drive and the drive can only lead to success."

Where do you see your career in the future?

Shaggy: "Hopefully in a place that I'm comfortable wid. You can't be more specific than that 'cause you never know what is around the corner."