On making the album, Shaggy explained, “Since I was a child, I can remember seeing tourists flock to Jamaica during Christmastime for some sun, fun, rum, and great parties! Our island is all about family, friends, food, great beaches, warm, welcoming people, and a strong culture, which is the perfect recipe for a joyous Christmas, so we decided to embody all of that into one album.” – NME

Shaggy added in speaking about his Christmas extravaganza, “We enlisted some of Jamaica’s leading, iconic artists to participate, and with guests like Ne-Yo and Joss Stone, who frequent Jamaica during the holiday season, we hope to transport listeners and share how we celebrate Christmas in the Islands!”- NME

Shaggy (real name Orville Richard Burrell) was nicknamed after the scooby-doo character and grew up  in Jamaica and was born on 22nd October in 1968. After taking up singing lessons, Shaggy was discovered while singing on the streets with his friends.

His first mega hit was in 1993 with ‘O Carolina‘ a dancehall version of a ska song by the Folkes Brothers. Signed to Virgin records, the theme tune of the Levi’s commercial ‘Bombastic’ saw him shoot to fame in 1995. He then signed to Dreamworks to release his album, ‘Hot shot‘ which featured chart topping tunes, ‘It Was’nt Me’ and ‘Angel.’ In April 2020, Shaggy celebrated the 20th anniversary of his popular album, by releasing an updated version of his album, which he named ‘Hot Shot 2020.’ 

There is no doubt Shaggy will be bringing us some Jamaican warmth over the festive period with his Caribbean themed album. When reminiscing on his childhood memories of Christmas he said, “Since I was a child, I can remember seeing tourists flock to Jamaica during Christmas time for some sun, fun, rum, and great parties!” – Metro  It is certain that the Reggae legend will be lifting many spirits over Christmas with this fun album, bringing ‘Christmas In The Islands.’

Track List

1. ‘No Icy Christmas’ feat. Sanchez
2. ‘We Got Us’ feat. Shenseea and OMI
3. ‘Take You to the Cool’ feat. Richie Stephens & Conkarah
4. ‘Christmas In the Islands’ feat Rayvon
5. ‘Holiday in Jamaica’ feat. Ne-Yo & Ding Dong
6. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’
7. ‘Open Presents’ feat. Romain Virgo
8. ‘Raggamuffin Christmas’ feat. Junior Reid and Bounty Killer
9. ‘Christmas Time’ feat. Jamila Falak
10. ’12 Days of Christmas’ feat. Beenie Man and Craigy T
11. ‘Warm & Easy
12. ‘Sunny Celebration’ feat. Joss Stone
13. ‘Catch Myself Some Rays’feat. CARYS
14. ‘Love When It’s Christmas’
15. ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’