After making his way to the stage as the Brown University graduates chanted his name, Jamaican dancehall artiste Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell, received an outpouring of congratulatory messages and love from fellow Jamaican artistes, personalities and fans alike, as he was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from the Ivy League institution.

Delivering an oration on Saturday (May 28), for the Brown University’s class of 2020 graduation, Shaggy was among the nine recipients of honorary doctorates, including United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Posting the video to his Instagram account, the Hope hitmaker attached the caption: “What an honor!! #brown #doctoroffinearts #gratitude #givthanks, [sic]” after which, he received a flood of congratulatory comments from the likes of Spice, Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton, Ding Dong, ‘Gramps’ Morgan, Yendi Phillipps, Kemar Highcon and more.

Spice, whose debut album, 10, was produced by Shaggy, wrote, “AMAZING LEGENDARY🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Congratulations Boss,” while media personality, Miss Kitty said: “Congrats on all your accomplishments Dr. Shaggy!! This is awesome ‼️ 👏👏👏”

Also among those to congratulate the dancehall veteran was Ding Dong, Tarrus Riley and Omi, who said:

“🙌🙌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥congrats my fada,”

“Shovel pave di way🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 @direalshaggy,” and

“👏👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌 congratulations brother!!!🎉” respectively.

Taking to Twitter, VP Records, the independent Caribbean-owned record label located in Queens, New York, also reigned in on the celebration.

“Congratulations are in order for music star Shaggy who will be conferred with one of nine honorary doctorates, by one of the United States’ leading Ivy League research universities – Brown University,” they tweeted.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange also chimed in on Twitter, noting how proud the nation was for his achievement.

“Jamaica is so proud of Shaggy the stage name for Orville Burrell, on this major recognition, one of nine persons to have been singled out for the award by Brown, a leading Ivy League University. Great achievement, Shaggy. This time, ‘It Was You’, the minister wrote in a witty reference to his 2000 hit, It Wasn’t Me.

Fans on Instagram and Twitter shared similar messages, with many using the fire, high five, red heart and clapping emojis.

Prior to delivering his speech, which he explained was “to inspire”, the Keepin It Real DJ was presented his degree by Brown’s 19th president and professor of economics and public policy, Christina Hull Paxson.

“Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell your style, your voice and your influence on reggae and the genre’s growth in American pop culture can not be overstated. You’re recognised the world over for your success as a musician, your leadership and dedicated philanthropy through the ‘Shaggy Makes a Difference Foundation’ has inspired peers and musical legends to join you in concert to raise funds for those in need,” Paxson said.

She continued: “The ‘Shaggy and Friends’ concert has raised more than $100 million of equipment for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Jamaica. For your accomplishments as a recording artiste and your service to others, we honour you with the Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.”

Following his speech, the star wrapped up his presentation with a performance of hits including Boombastic, Angel and It Wasn’t Me.