Sting & Shaggy To Release Island-Influenced Record

by: Mike Patti | January 24, 2018

On April 20th, 2018, Sting and Shaggy will put out a joint, island-influenced record entitled 44/876 following the release of their first single, “Don’t Make Me Wait.” The new album is said to reflect the duo’s mutual love of Jamaica, its music, and the spirit of its people through its vibrancy culture.

Together, they were able to produce an album that is highlighted in its description as music that seamlessly blends Caribbean rhythms, in traditional and modern styles, with pop craftsmanship and rock energy.

In creating this record, the duo had some help in the studio from musicians and writers based out of New York and Jamaica. These artists include Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie, dancehall sensation Aidonia, DJ Agent Sasco and Sting’s longtime guitarist, Dominic Miller as well as writers Tyrantula, Dwayne “iLLwayno” Shippy, Shane “Gold Tips” Hoosong, Machine Gun Funk and Patexx.

Sting and Shaggy were introduced through each-others representatives and it was after Sting heard the music Shaggy was working on that they decided to collaborate. Initially, they only had plans to release the one single together, but rode a wave of creativity that found them spending a few weeks in New York City, resulting in a full length record. The albums first single, “Don’t Make Me Wait,” will be made available as soon as January 25th via Spotify and iTunes.

The song was debuted live on January 6th in front of 20,000 people in Kingston, Jamaica at the “Shaggy and Friends” charity concert, which benefited the local Bustamante Hospital for Children — You can find a snippet of the live performance below, but stay tuned as an official music video for the single will soon drop.

Given the background of Sting with his love for reggae as heard mixed with Jazz, Rock & Pop through his back catalog and time with The Police should be a unique pairing with that of Shaggy who has also seen success with combining his Reggae Dancehall style on a pop platform.

Stay tuned as we look forward to revealing more information as soon as its made available to us.

Listen: Sting & Shaggy – “Don’t Make Me Wait”