Shaggy will take the stage for the first time in Jamaica in 2024 when Marcia Griffiths celebrates her 60th year in reggae with a star-studded showcase at the picturesque Hope Gardens on November 3.

Marcia and Friends, the event of the season, features internationally acclaimed acts including the diamond-selling artiste, Busy Signal, Tanya Stephens, Tessanne Chin, Nadine Sutherland, Alaine, Brick & Lace, Duane Stephenson, Tony Gregory, Cutty Ranks, Ras Shiloh and a rich cadre of surprise stars. 

We spoke briefly with Shaggy about Marcia Griffiths’ impact on Reggae music and what to expect from the upcoming massive musical showcase: 

Q: What’s the significance of a reggae icon like Griffiths celebrating 60 years in the business and does Jamaica benefit in any way?

A: Marcia is part of an incredible legacy, probably one of the biggest that comes out of Jamaica and the Jamaican culture—by being a part of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and her voice being significant to every single recording there was. She’s a staple, she’s a symbol. To this day, there’s not a lot of artistes that are soloists [and] female that have stood the test of time like she has. And, for that itself, she should be celebrated. Celebrating her is celebrating Jamaican culture.

Q: You recently worked with Marcia and others on a version of the Electric Slide for an EV?

A: Yes we recently did the Super Bowl and used Electric Boogie for Jeep’s electric car. That was the song they wanted [and] they asked me to produce it. Initially, they wanted a version of the song, whether it was her [Marcia Griffiths] or not. I thought we couldn’t have done that to such an iconic song unless we included her in it. So, I insisted at that point that if I am going to produce this song for the commercial, that Marcia would have to be a part of it. It was only right since she was the one that made it popular, it was her song. We made a concept for the video that really celebrated her. 

Shaggy also informed us that the commercial he produced for Jeep using Marcia’s Electric Boogie was highly ranked among the well-received commercials during the 2023 Super Bowl.

Marcia Griffiths speaks fondly about her coming-of-age as a Reggae artiste, her start at Studio One, which she calls Jamaica’s Motown, and the assembly of the I Threes. The significance of this 60th celebration and its impact on Jamaican culture as a whole can be felt through the line-up of illustrious musical acts and powerhouse sponsors such as Appleton Estate, KFC, Tastee, Coca-Cola, Tru-Juice, IPrint, Phase Three and others—it is evident that this isn’t just another stage show but a well-deserved celebration of Reggae legacy and heritage. Get your tickets now, online at Caribtix.com or marciagriffiths.com. Ticket outlets include Music Mart in Kingston, Total Gas station in Ocho Rios and Double Scoops in St Thomas.