<b>What has been happening in Shaggy world?</b> Well I just came out of the studio with the legendary Sly and Robbie. They were here for a week and we are doing a Sly and Robbie featuring Shaggy album. I think it's an incredible collaboration and we may call it Icons or something like that. I am not sure yet. <b>Is it a covers album or originals?</b> We are going to mix it up but it will certainly be something magical because it already felt magical doing it. <b><br/>You have been doing this for a long time. Do you feel like you reached that icon status when it comes to reggae?</b> I definitely am and that is all you can hope for at the end of the day. When people start their career out they don't want to do just one or two songs and that's it. You like to know that you survived the test of time and made an incredible piece of work that contributes to the genre of music that you represent. <b><br/>During your time dancehall exploded into the mainstream. Are you surprised by it's success?</b> I am not surprised because it is such a culturally rich art form. But there was a lack of organisation within the music fraternity and that's why it didn't transcend even bigger. <b><br/>One of the features that stood you apart from your peers - particularly in the 1990s when you first broke out - is that your records have always been well produced. Has that been something you were conscious off?</b> I am a perfectionist. I like the music to be classic. There is a reason why Mr Boombastic is still a jam in the clubs, because it's properly done. The mixing is impeccable. We won't stop till it's done like that so it last years and years. <b><br/>One of the benefits of your success and those by your peers is that it brought a lot of work back to the Jamaican music industry. Some musicians now travel to Jamaica to meet songwriters as opposed to America, that must feel satisfying.</b> It is great. It does bring a lot of work to Jamaica. I think that if any one is doing reggae music it is essential they come to Jamaica to get their needs met. It certainly provides a way of living for many session musicians in Jamaica. It certainly keeps the wheels turning. <b><br/>And what's are the future plans?</b> I am currently planning the launch of global reggae festival called Shaggfest, because there is no global reggae festival. We are shooting for summer but we are waiting for the dots to be connected. I just think some one has to get organised and put this thing together because reggae has to be represented and this is my genre, this is what I do, so why not?
