Shaggy to Headline ‘I Love Jamaica’ at UBS Arena; Drops New Collab with Aidonia & Akon

Jamaican dancehall icon set to headline the “I Love Jamaica” benefit concert at New York’s UBS Arena, as a virtual telethon strengthens nationwide relief efforts. He also teams up with R&B icon Akon and dancehall heavyweight Aidonia for “Boom Body,” dropping November 14.

Grammy-winning icon Shaggy to release “Boom Body,” with Akon and Aidonia (Photo: Ashanie Braham)

Jamaican dancehall icon and Grammy Award-winning artist Shaggy has been actively supporting Hurricane Melissa relief efforts across Jamaica in recent weeks.

The 57-year-old entertainer quickly mobilized aid, partnering with Central Florida attorney Dan Newlin to shuttle emergency supplies from Miami and hand-deliver them to the hardest-hit communities.

Beyond boots-on-the-ground efforts, Shaggy will headline the “I Love Jamaica” benefit concert on Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in New York. Powered by the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, proceeds will support national recovery programs.

“Jamaica’s culture has always been a source of strength, pride, and global influence,” said Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. “In times of crisis, it becomes a unifying force.”

The wider fundraising initiative will kick off with a virtual benefit concert on Sunday, November 16, 2025, streamed globally from the Caribbean Public Television Corporation (CPTC) studios. Headlined by Masicka, Christopher Martin, and Nigy Boy, the event aims to raise at least US$1 million for Jamaica’s most affected regions.

Meanwhile, Shaggy continues his musical output. He teams up with R&B legend Akon and dancehall heavyweight Aidonia for the upcoming single “Boom Body,” dropping November 14 via VP Records and Ranch Entertainment. The high-energy track fuses island vibes with international pop appeal, pairing Shaggy’s signature groove with Akon’s smooth delivery and Aidonia’s razor-sharp flow.

Co-produced by Shaggy and Romanian hitmaker Costi Ionita, the single marks their latest collaboration, following several past joint efforts, including the 2015 smash “Habibi (I Need Your Love),” which has amassed more than 253 million YouTube views to date.