Shaggy rocks Vatican at 29th Christmas concert in Rome

Jamaican dancehall superstar Shaggy made history at the Vatican as the only solo act from the Western Hemisphere to headline the 29th edition of the Christmas Concert 2021, according to Dance Hall Magazine.

The “It Wasn’t Me” singer also met Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, ahead of his performance in Rome. He is “perhaps the first Dancehall/Reggae act to do so,” the magazine said, “as Jamaican artists have always been vitriolic against The Vatican ever since the late Lee Scratch Perry labeled it ‘The City of Iniquity’ in his six-minute-long song, ‘Baffling Smoke Signals’ back in 1978.”

In a video on his Instagram page, the popular artist behind such hits as “Don’t Make Me,” “Englishman in New York,” and “Shape of My Heart/Lucid Dreams” with British mega star rocker, Sting, said: “I am a Reggae star, merry Christmas everybody,” Jamaican style, before breaking into song.

The singer did a duet with Indonesian-born French singer-songwriter and TV personality, Anggun, at the pre-recorded charity concert for the Vatican, aired on Christmas Eve on the Italian TV and streamed internationally, according to reports. 

In an Instagram post, the singer wrote: “Merry Christmas everyone! I recently had the pleasure for playing a Christmas charity concert for the Vatican in Rome, it was an awesome experience we brought a little of the Jamaican culture to the Vatican and at the same time raised funds for a good cause #Haiti and #LEbanion.”

Here are some highlights, hope you enjoy,” Shaggy went on, sharing pictures of his visit to the Vatican.

Shaggy, who recently made an appearance on the Wendy Williams talk show in New York to promote “Go Down Deh” with Dancehall Queen and King “Spice” and Sean Paul, was dressed in a black suit, with sparkle, and signature dark glasses, as he rocked the massive crowd.

At the time of this article, Shaggy’s Instagram post had garnered more than 18,000 likes.