Shaggy, Sly & Robbie Go To Jail, But Not For What You Think
Before any rumors start spreading, no—Shaggy and Co. weren’t arrested, but they did go to prison. Last May 2 prisoners at the General Penitentiary were treated to a special concert conceived by The Swiss Rehabilitation Organization, Art of Living Foundation and the Department of Correctional Services as part of a Non-Violence initiative where Shaggy was invited to perform in hopes of empowering inmates. At 2pm, “convict” Shaggy was escorted passed the metal gates to many an inmate’s surprise along with several other industry heavyweights, most notably the infamous Riddim Twins, Sly and Robbie. The show commenced with performances from inmates David Williams, Howard David and Serrano Walker. David, a favorite amongst his peers delivered an original piece titled “This One Is For The Children”, which was well received from both inmates and visitors alike. Comedic duo Ity and Fancy Cat blessed the stage to and undoubtedly gave the incarcerated more to smile about than they had in a long time all while warming them up for the man of the hour, Shaggy, to take to the stage. Greeted with deafening screams from the audience with backing by artistes Jimmy Cozier, Aisha Davis and Tony Gold, Shaggy delivered songs from his latest album, a collaboration with Sly Dumbar and Robbie Shakespeare, even though unknown, resonated among his audience who hung on every syllable. It wouldn’t be a true Shaggy performance without hits “Boombastic”, “Church Heathen”, “It Wasn’t Me” and “Strength of a Woman” which inmates young and old, guards joyfully sang along. Shaggy didn’t hog the stage for himself, he invited Sly and Robbie to ring out a medley of their infamous “Taxi” and “Mission Impossible” riddims to the delight of the crowd with most being finally able to match the faces tot he iconic riddims. The climax of the set came when Shaggy joined Sly and Robbie for a rendition of Black Uhuru’s “General Penitentiary” sang in unison by the whole yard; And they say prison is bad.
Check out Black Uhuru live with Sly & Robbie
