Shaggy Honored With Official Brooklyn Day

BROOKLYN, NY— Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso declared May 19 “Shaggy Day” in Brooklyn during a celebration for the reggae and dancehall star’s new album release in the borough where he launched his music career.

Deputy Borough President Kim Council presented the proclamation during “Big Vibes in Little Caribbean: Shaggy’s Album Release” at I AM caribBEING headquarters in Flatbush.

Born in Jamaica as Orville Richard Burrell, Shaggy moved to Flatbush as a teenager and built a career that helped bring reggae and dancehall music into mainstream American pop culture.

Over four decades, Shaggy sold more than 40 million albums and placed eight singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

“From Kingston to Flatbush, Shaggy is a living legend whose career has transcended borders and made the world move to the rhythms of reggae and dancehall,” Reynoso said in a statement announcing the honor.

Reynoso also cited the artist’s philanthropy and community work in Brooklyn and Jamaica.

In 2009, Shaggy founded the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and organized “Shaggy & Friends” benefit concerts that raised millions for humanitarian causes. Organizers said he also helped lead relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa by arranging private flights carrying emergency supplies and helping raise more than $500,000 during a benefit concert at UBS Arena.

Shaggy said Brooklyn shaped both his career and identity.

“Brooklyn is the borough that took a kid from Jamaica and gave him a stage, a sound, and a purpose,” Burrell said. “I’m so grateful to Borough President Reynoso for this amazing honor and everyone in the community who has supported me for over four decades.”