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Shaggy (musician)

Shaggy is the stage name of Orville Richard Burrell, a Jamaican-American reggae and dancehall musician born in Kingston, Jamaica.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shaggy is the stage name of Orville Richard Burrell, a Jamaican-American reggae and dancehall musician born in Kingston, Jamaica. He is best known for international hits including “Oh Carolina,” “Boombastic,” “It Wasn’t Me,” and “Angel,” and has won two Grammy Awards.

Early life and background

Shaggy was born Orville Richard Burrell in Kingston, Jamaica. Sources describe him as a Jamaican-American artist who later moved to the United States and developed his career in New York’s dancehall scene.

Music career

He became widely known through crossover reggae and dancehall hits in the 1990s and 2000s, including “Oh Carolina,” “Boombastic,” and “It Wasn’t Me.” His work helped bring dancehall and reggae fusion to mainstream international audiences.

Awards and recognition

Shaggy has received major industry recognition, including eight Grammy nominations, two Grammy wins, and a Brit Award. These awards reflect his commercial success and cross-genre appeal.

Public image and legacy

Shaggy is regarded as one of the best-known Jamaican popular musicians of his era. He is associated with dancehall reggae’s international breakthrough and sustained mainstream popularity.

Key facts

  • Shaggy is the professional name of Orville Richard Burrell, born in Kingston, Jamaica on October 22, 1968.
  • He is known for hit singles such as “Oh Carolina,” “Boombastic,” “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “In the Summertime.”
  • He has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won twice for Best Reggae Album: Boombastic (1996) and 44/876 with Sting (2019).
  • He won the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist in 2002.
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Canadian context

Shaggy’s music has had broad international popularity, including in Canada, where his crossover reggae and pop hits received wide radio and chart exposure.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Shaggy?
Shaggy is the stage name of Orville Richard Burrell, a Jamaican-American reggae and dancehall musician.
What are Shaggy’s biggest songs?
His best-known songs include “Oh Carolina,” “Boombastic,” “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “In the Summertime.”
What awards has Shaggy won?
He has won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album and a Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist.
When was Shaggy born?
He was born on October 22, 1968.
Where is Shaggy from?
He was born in Kingston, Jamaica.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaggy_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, nationality, major songs, Grammy wins, and Brit Award.
  2. Shaggy Online — https://www.shaggyonline.com/bio
    Supports: Biography, Kingston origins, move to Brooklyn, early dancehall career, and commercial success.
  3. GRAMMY — https://www.grammy.com/news/5-questions-with-shaggy/
    Supports: Birthplace, nickname background, and reggae chart achievements.