INTRO: He's not known as Mr Lova Lova for nothing. On October 23, Goa came alive to the reggae, dance hall, hip-hop and R&B beats of Mr Boombastic himself as the Jamaican-born, New York-based reggae artist crooned and seduced the fans with his commanding presence and distinctive voice. In Goa for the very first time for a live concert, Orville Richard Burrell aka Shaggy talks about his music, his name and his earliest ever music memories.
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The name Orville Richard Burrell might not mean a great deal to most people, but 'Shaggy' everybody knows. With more than a few chart-topping albums (and a Grammy Award in 1996) since he exploded over the music scene back in the 90s, Shaggy's definitely become something of a global phenomenon.
But it's not just his music that the 48-year-old is known for. He is also a fierce businessman and a humble philanthropist.
In Goa for the last leg of his three-city India tour, the 48 year old thrilled his fans with his live-wire performance, mixing in a bit of his new stuff with old classics like 'Hey Sexy Lady', 'It wasn't Me', 'Angel', 'Strength of a Woman', etc. 'You gotta dance and shout' he said and that's what everyone in the mosh pit did. And they certainly had a boombastic time doing it.
Q: How did Orville Richard Burrell become Shaggy? And is it true that you were named after a dog?
A: I was given the name when I was in school. My hair used to be real shaggy, so they would call me Shaggy as in 'shaggy dog'. Then when I went to England I found out that shaggy meant something else. I kind of adopted that reason and that’s what I tell the ladies.
Q: It's been a long time since you started making music. What is it that drives you to continue down this road even after 20 years in the business?
A: Music is in my blood. It’s a way of life for me and It’s something I love to do. I’d do it even if I didn’t get paid.
Q: One of the legacies of your career is undoubtedly bringing the dance hall element of reggae to a whole new audience. But has this genre changed over the years?
A: Yes, dancehall/reggae has certainly evolved over the years. It’s probably one of the biggest time for it though because it has gone mainstream as artists such as Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Drake to name a few have gotten this sound and put it on the mainstream.
Q: Your songs have become massive hits, almost anthems, in India. But do you have a favourite?
A: It’s hard to pick a favorite. That's like asking me which one of my children I like best. As long as I get smiles on peoples faces, that’s all that counts.
Q: What is a typical day in the life of Shaggy, the family man?
A: Watching movies on Netflix with my daughters. That’s a good day.
Q: The last twenty years must seem like a surreal fantasy in many ways. Looking back, is there anything you'd like to change?
A: I’ve had many high points in my career. I went diamond, won a Grammy and was able to sing in front of thousands of people. Those are all high points for me as far as my career is concerned. I don’t look at any part of it as low because even when there was something that didn't go my way, I looked at it as a lesson.
Q: What's the story behind you're latest single, ‘That Love’. Is it a tribute to the military?
A: “That Love” is just a song that speaks about love. Scott Storch produced the beat and the minute I heard it, the melodies just came to me. We ended up writing and it just felt like a really nice catchy love song, so we decided just to rock with it. The video though does depict that whole military situation. I just thought it kind of fit the song.
Q: You are very active on social media, especially Instagram. How do you think social media has changed the way fans interact with you?
A: As far as social media is concerned, it certainly puts you in direct interaction with the fans. It’s a way to really know what your fans are thinking and have them follow you and to buy into the artist. So yes it has changed the scope of music.
Q: How easy has the digital age made it for new and upcoming talent to showcase their talents.
Social media is now a part of music and a part of the success of music. It’s really hard not to be a part of it. I have actually taught myself how to be involved in social media
Q: What’s next for Mr Boombastic? Any collaborations in the making?
A: We have a collaboration in the works right now with international pop/reggae star, Omi.
