New York, NY (Top40 Charts / Interscope Records) Interscope/A&M Records is pleased to announce the release of "Don't Make Me Wait" - the new, Caribbean-flavored song from
Sting and
Shaggy - available January 25th on all digital platforms (https://smarturl.it/DMMWPresave). The first single will be followed on April 20th by a collaborative, island-influenced album, entitled 44/876, that reflects the duo's mutual love of
Jamaica - its music, the spirit of its people and vibrancy of its culture.
Sting and
Shaggy were initially introduced by
Martin Kierszenbaum, who is Sting's manager and Shaggy's former A&R executive. After
Sting heard a new track that
Shaggy was working on, they decided to go into the studio together. Initially, the plan was to only record "Don't Make Me Wait," but the rhythms, lyrics and melodies flowed readily between these two accomplished musicians and, as a result, more new songs emerged.
Sting and
Shaggy wrote and jammed together for a few weeks in New York City, creating music that seamlessly blends Caribbean rhythms—in traditional and modern styles—with pop craftsmanship and rock energy.
The artists were joined in the studio by musicians and writers from
Jamaica and New York including the legendary 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. The sessions were produced by
Sting International, who has previously worked with
Shaggy on global smashes such as "Carolina," "
Boombastic" and "It Wasn't Me," and Executive Produced by
Martin Kierszenbaum who has previously written/produced songs for Sting,
Madonna and Lady Gaga.
Sting International, Robert "Hitmixer" Orton and Tony Lake mixed 44/876.
The duo recently debuted "Don't Make Me Wait"—on which they effortlessly trade verses, over a smoldering island rhythm—in front of 20,000 people in Kingston,
Jamaica at the "Shaggy and Friends" charity concert, which benefited the local
Bustamante Hospital for Children. They also filmed a soon-to-be released music video in the heart of the city, directed by Gil Green.
