BROOKLYN, NY – Yesterday, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso declared May 19, 2026, as “Shaggy Day” in Brooklyn. Deputy Borough President Kim Council delivered the special honor at Big Vibes in Little Caribbean: Shaggy’s Album Release, a public celebration for his fifteenth studio album, “Lottery,” held at the I AM CARIBBEING HQ. Born in Jamaica, Orville Richard Burrell, professionally known as Shaggy, moved to Flatbush as a teenager where he launched his music career and pioneering journey in the evolution of reggae and dancehall music. With a music career spanning four decades, Shaggy has sold more than 40 million albums to date and landed eight singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Beyond his music career, Shaggy, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, has played an essential role supporting Jamaica and its diaspora. In 2009, he established the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and has since organized many Shaggy & Friends benefit concerts, which have raised millions for humanitarian organizations. Most recently, Shaggy played a lead role in the relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, delivering essential goods via private flights and raising over $500,000 at a star-studded benefit concert at UBS Arena.
“From Kingston to Flatbush, Shaggy is a living legend whose storied career has transcended borders and made the world move to the rhythms of reggae and dancehall. Through his musical genius and his leadership in philanthropy, Shaggy embodies the very best of our borough. That’s why I am so proud to declare May 19, 2026 as “Shaggy Day” in Brooklyn as we celebrate the next chapter of Shaggy’s career and his more than four decades spreading joy around the world,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Shaggy adds, “Brooklyn is the borough that took a kid from Jamaica and gave him a stage, a sound, and a purpose. 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.”
“Shaggy is the heartbeat of the Caribbean Diaspora— a voice that has carried our culture, our resilience, and our joy to every corner of the world. As a first-generation Caribpolitan, I know firsthand what it means to grow up between two worlds and find your identity in the music, the food, the people, and the streets that shaped you. In Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean, we don’t just listen to his music, we live it. Shaggy Day is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the culture we continue to build right here in Flatbush,” said Shelley Worrell, Founder & CEO, I AM caribBEING, Champion of Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean & Caribpolitan.
