LOVERMAN: Lubega ushers in Shaggy, Mr. Boombastic, at Entebbe Airport yesterday

By Geoffrey Kamali

JAMAICAN dancehall artist Shaggy a.k.a. Mr. Boombastic, arrived yesterday for a performance tomorrow.

The former US marine turned pop-star arrived at Entebbe Airport at 9:30am aboard a British Airways with a crew of 18, who included his managers, stage performers and aides.

Wearing blue jeans, a gray T-shirt and a black leather jacket with his trademark long, curly hairstyle and goggles, he was led to a waiting air-conditioned limousine, part of his concert deal to Speke Resort, Munyonyo.

At the hotel, he spent over 20 minutes in the limo, waiting for his managers to verify the kind of accommodation that had been reserved for him.

“It’s a pleasure to be in Uganda again. It’s been a while. The last visit was memorable.

“We are now back and so much has changed,” he told reporters at a press briefing at Munyonyo.

“We are here to perform a lot of songs. We spent three months in the studio, putting the final touches to the new album. We didn’t want to cheat Ugandans,” he added.

The artiste who was born Orville Richard Burell, Shaggy or Mr. Lover as he now prefers to be called, is visiting Uganda for the second time.

He will stage his first performance on New Year’s Eve and a family show on New Year’s Day.

Charlie Lubega, the event promoter, promised show-goers that entering the New Year would be a memorable time.

He said they would also hold the biggest fireworks ever.

Other musicians in Shaggy’s entourage include Ravon, Rik Rok, Brian and Tony Gold, who are also reputable Jamaican artists. His performance will also feature leading local artistes.

Asked why he sings exclusively about women and sex, the Jamaican singer said he sings to celebrate women and sexuality. “Wouldn’t it be boring if we didn’t do that? Gees!” he explained.

“I don’t want to sing about issues that are sad or those that are depressing. Who wants to come to listen to such things in a festive mood?” he added.

Other conditions in the concert deal include four air-conditioned back stages for him, with dressing rooms, full-size mirrors, showers and mini hi-fi systems and TV sets.

His meals consist of boiled and grilled chicken, tuna-water, juices, Jamaican cuisine and Baileys Irish Cream.

Published on: Tuesday, 30th December, 2003