Shaggy remembers being released from Universal Music for expressing interest in releasing a dancehall track.
Jamaican superstar Shaggy recently recounted his experience with Universal Music in the mid-2000s when the label hesitated to release his Dancehall track, “Wild 2nite.” Despite being dropped after releasing the song, Shaggy’s gamble paid off as “Wild 2nite” became a hit, reinforcing his belief in artistic autonomy.
During his keynote speech at the Island Music Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, Shaggy advised aspiring artists to embrace independence and trust their vision. He shared how being dropped led to his hit song, “Church Heathen,” and emphasized the importance of standing firm in one’s artistic direction.
Shaggy also highlighted the challenges faced by Jamaican artists, including unjust perceptions of their Jamaican identity by international promoters. He urged established artists to support upcoming talents and emphasized the value of collaborating with new artists, citing his successful collaborations with then-unknown artists like RikRok and Rayvon.
He also emphasized the need for artists to be adaptable and open to new ideas and collaborations. Shaggy’s own career is a testament to this approach, as he has consistently explored new musical styles and collaborated with a diverse range of artists.
In his efforts to combat the perception of not being “Jamaican enough,” Shaggy released the reggae album “Out of Many,” featuring a variety of Jamaican artists. This album helped showcase the depth and diversity of Jamaican music and culture to international audiences.
Shaggy’s message to aspiring artists is clear: believe in yourself, stay true to your vision, and be willing to take risks. By embracing independence and creativity, artists can forge their own path to success, just as Shaggy has done throughout his career.
In conclusion, Shaggy encouraged artists to be confident, step out of their comfort zones, and believe in their creative vision, as he did throughout his career.
