Shabba 'overwhelmed with joy' to be in Bermuda

Dancehall superstar Shabba Ranks today wowed crowds as he signed autographs at a Hamilton shopping mall.

Around 200 people passed a desk, where he posed for photographs with adoring fans and went walkabout to greet passers-by.

He said he was “most definitely” enjoying what is only his second visit to the island after a 20-year gap.

Shabba added: “You cannot pay for this – this love, money can’t buy. I’m just happy and overwhelmed with joy.”

And the Jamaican, whose biggest hit was Mr Loverman in the 1990s, said: “The island is lovely, very clean. We love that.”

Jen Wild, 36, an executive assistant from Hamilton Parish and a long-time fan said: “I was at his concert 20 years ago. This is the first time I’ve met him. He’s awesome.”

She added: “He talks really well – he was talking about education and the dangers of falling for the perils of crime.”

Shabba, after spending more than an hour in Washington Mall chatting to fan and signing autographs, took part in a motorcade around the city.

Shabba, accompanied by the “Queen of Soca” Alison Hinds, will perform at Tiger Bay, St George’s, on Wednesday night, starting at 8pm.

Tickets for the concert are on sale at $75 or $135 for VIP. They are available from ptix.bm, Jamaican Grill on Court Street, Hamilton, A to Z Boutique in St George’s, Platinum Entertainment in Somerset and Pizza Houses across the island.

 VIP ticket includes VIP parking, a no wait queue, a private bar and lounge, elevated viewing space and private bathrooms.