Shaggy Looks Back on 25 Years of “It Wasn’t Me” and Talks New Music with Sting
It has been a quarter of a century since Shaggy released “It Wasn’t Me” — and he continues to clarify the meaning behind the legendary track.
“Towards the end of the song, it offers an apology,” Shaggy, 56, shared with Us Weekly regarding “It Wasn’t Me” being an “anti-cheating” anthem in an exclusive interview ahead of his performance at the 3rd Annual Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival on Saturday, March 15. “It’s a dialogue between two individuals. One is advising the other about infidelity, and the other responds with, ‘No, I’m not going to heed your advice.’ Ultimately, he concludes, ‘I’m going to go apologize because you’re the foolish one.’”
Released in November 2000, “It Wasn’t Me,” according to Shaggy, prompts fans to frequently exclaim ‘it wasn’t me’ whenever they encounter him.
“It’s ubiquitous,” he said when asked if he’s heard the song in an unexpected location. “It continually resurfaces. Nothing surprises me anymore.”
Regarding the upcoming 25th anniversary of the song, Shaggy revealed to Us, “We have an album releasing soon — Hot Shot 2025.” (Hot Shot was the name of the studio album featuring hits like “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel.”)
Following the launch of his new collaboration with Sting, “Til a Mawnin,” he hinted at more music from the unexpected pair on the way.
“A second full-length album with The Police’s frontman, 73, should be coming together quite soon,” he stated.
“I’m still trying to understand why it works, but it does. The chemistry between him and me is genuine. So we just roll with it,” he mentioned to Us, adding that many people may be surprised to discover that Sting has a “great sense of humor.”
“A lot of folks perceive him as very serious and uptight, but he’s actually one of the funniest individuals you could meet,” he said.
Shaggy explained to Us that performing with Sting at another food festival inspired him to take the stage at the 2025 Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival, where he performed a medley of hits — including “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” “Boombastic,” and “Hey Sexy Lady” — at the festival’s renowned Jerk Jam.
“This is the Bahamas, my second home,” he expressed. “The energy and music here are part of everyone’s life soundtrack. It’s not difficult to agree to this.”
When asked about his setlist, Shaggy emphasized that “these songs are gifts” that “bring joy and transform lives.”
Shaggy’s Jamaican roots have significantly influenced his music. “Caribbean culture has a laid-back vibe. Wake up, head to the beach, fish, enjoy carnival — that’s the lifestyle,” he said.
During his stay in the Bahamas, Shaggy dined at Michael White’s Paranza and indulged in his beloved dish. “I can’t resist conch salad,” he admitted. “I had some today and definitely plan to have more tomorrow.”
Last year’s Jerk Jam headliner, Wyclef Jean, also expressed his love for conch salad.
“The conch here — that conch salad is so addictive. The rice — let me tell you, I overindulged on that rice, no lie,” Jean told Us at that time. “The jerk chicken was fantastic. But, the conch … that’s the best conch in the world.”
The Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival supports the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of coral reefs and marine life in the Bahamas, and takes place annually at the Atlantis resort. Food influencers from New York City, Texas, and Georgia joined guests from across the nation to savor dishes prepared by celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Kardea Brown, Katie Lee, Michael Symon, Alon Shaya, JJ Johnson, José Andrés, and Michael White, along with master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.
