ILOSM family if you’re like many of us, here in America, you probably thought “Mr Boombastic” reggae singer, Shaggy, fell off years ago. Many of us hadn’t heard from the multiplatinum star since the early 2000’s, when he dropped his mega-hit, “It Wasn’t Me.” Turns out, although some may have thought his career was over, he’s been consistently releasing hits in many other parts of the country, including his homeland, Kingston, Jamaica. In addition to making music though, Shaggy has dedicated himself to helping the children of Jamaica in a major way.
In December 2017, Shaggy promised that his foundation would raise J$100 million (Jamaican dollars) for Bustamante Hospital For Children. As of January 2018, Shaggy hit his goal and signed off on a J$100 million check for the hospital.
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He accomplished that goal by calling on the help of many of his superstar friends to perform for his foundation’s benefit concert, ‘Shaggy and Friends 2018.’ The stars that came to support were a diverse bunch, which included Sting, Wyclef (of the Fugees) and other international stars.
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During the signing ceremony at the hospital, Shaggy thanked all of the superstars for their help. He also pointed out that the expenses for the government-run children’s hospital are extremely high and that the hospital was in debt to government agencies for J$1.2 million, prior to his help. “What we are doing is helping a government-operated hospital, that’s all me a say. We are trying to make it easier for the Government and to ease a burden,” said Shaggy.
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According to Jamaican Star, ‘This year’s proceeds will go towards several different ventures in the hospital, but mainly the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which currently has a total of five beds far fewer than the required amount.’
Ever since Shaggy started his Shaggy and Friends Foundation in 2009, he has raised over J$400 million (that’s over $3.2 million in U.S. dollars) for the Bustamante Hospital For Children.
Major props to Shaggy for giving back and pushing his community forward.
