Brooklyn, New York, has long been a cultural home for global music, Caribbean pride, and immigrant excellence. On May 19, that legacy was honored in a powerful way as Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso officially declared May 19 “Shaggy Day” in Brooklyn, celebrating the life, music, philanthropy, and cultural impact of internationally acclaimed reggae and dancehall artist Shaggy.
The special proclamation was announced in Little Caribbean during Shaggy’s public album release celebration for his fifteenth studio album, “Lottery.” The event was held at I AM CARIBBEING HQ, located at 1399 Nostrand Avenue, a fitting location that reflects Brooklyn’s deep Caribbean roots and the community that helped shape Shaggy’s remarkable career. The proclamation was presented to Shaggy by Rev. Kim Council, Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn, marking a proud moment for the artist, his supporters, and the wider Caribbean diaspora.
Born Orville Richard Burrell in Jamaica, Shaggy moved to Flatbush, Brooklyn, as a teenager. It was in Brooklyn where he began building the foundation for a music career that would eventually take reggae and dancehall to audiences around the world. His sound, style, charisma, and crossover appeal helped redefine how Caribbean music moved through mainstream pop culture.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Shaggy has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and placed eight singles on the Billboard Hot 100. His global hits, including “Oh Carolina,” “Boombastic,” and songs from his diamond-selling album Hot Shot, helped cement him as one of the most successful dancehall artists in history. A two-time Grammy Award winner, Shaggy remains a rare artist whose influence bridges generations, genres, and nations.
Beyond the stage, Shaggy’s legacy also includes major humanitarian work. In 2009, he established the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, supporting critical needs in Jamaica and throughout the diaspora. Through his Shaggy & Friends benefit concerts, he has helped raise millions for hospitals, healthcare initiatives, and humanitarian causes. His commitment to service has made him not only a global music ambassador, but also a respected philanthropic leader.
Borough President Antonio Reynoso praised Shaggy’s contributions, stating that from his musical genius to his leadership in philanthropy, Shaggy represents the very best of Brooklyn. Declaring May 19 as “Shaggy Day” honors both his artistic excellence and his continued commitment to uplifting communities.
Shaggy responded with gratitude, recognizing Brooklyn as the borough that gave him “a stage, a sound, and a purpose.” His words reflected the deep connection between his Jamaican roots, his Brooklyn upbringing, and the global platform he has built over four decades.
The celebration also served as a launch moment for “Lottery,” Shaggy’s fifteenth studio album, introducing a new chapter in a career defined by reinvention, rhythm, and cultural pride. Managed by Martin Kierszenbaum and Cherrytree Music Company, Shaggy continues to expand his creative reach beyond music into film, theater, and philanthropy. His recent work includes stage appearances alongside Sting in The Last Ship, soon set for New York’s Metropolitan Opera House from June 9–14, along with an upcoming film project featuring Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Key Highlights
• May 19 was officially declared “Shaggy Day” in Brooklyn by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, honoring Shaggy’s music, philanthropy, and cultural impact.
• The proclamation was presented during Shaggy’s album release celebration for “Lottery” in Little Caribbean at I AM CARIBBEING HQ.
• Shaggy’s career spans more than four decades, with over 40 million records sold worldwide, two Grammy Awards, and historic success as a dancehall artist.
• Through the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, he continues to support Jamaica’s healthcare system, humanitarian relief efforts, and communities across the diaspora.
With “Shaggy Day,” Brooklyn has honored more than a superstar. It has celebrated a cultural bridge-builder, a Caribbean son, a Brooklyn success story, and a global artist whose music and mission continue to move the world.
