(Trinidad Express) AS he expressed shock over the shooting Thursday night of businessman and entertainment promoter Anthony Chow Lin On (Chinese Laundry), Jamaican dancehall star Shaggy said yesterday he hadn’t realised that crime in Trinidad was “that bad”.
Shaggy, who is well-acquainted with Chow Lin On, manager of 96.1 FM, a popular DJ and music producer, said they spent time together just a few weeks ago.
The internationally-acclaimed artiste is in Trinidad for a show tonight with fellow Jamaican dancehall star Sean Paul and British-Asian crossover sensation, Jay Sean.
At a press conference with Sean Paul at Hilton Trinidad yesterday, regular visitor Shaggy said his prayers were with Chow Lin On.
“I was startled when I heard,” Shaggy said, in response to questions from the Express.
“I didn’t know there was this level of crime in Trinidad.”
One of the best-known faces internationally to come out of the Caribbean, Shaggy said he first met Chow Lin On when he started in the music business.
“He is an icon,” Shaggy said.
“It’s very sad. I wish him all the best and full recovery.”
Shaggy has held several concerts in Trinidad and has collaborated with local soca star, Machel Montano.
Sean Paul, who has also held concerts here previously, said he is yet to experience Carnival.
“I’ve been here over ten times but only once for Carnival and, even then, I didn’t get the full effect,” he said.
Asked for their advice to aspiring regional artistes, both said hard work was essential.
Shaggy, who described himself as “an inner-city kid”, said he was often awake and working when others were asleep.
Speaking on crime in the region, Sean Paul said there is often not enough for young people to do, but added that that deficiency was also affecting retired persons.
The press conference also included an impromptu singing session by Mirjana Hinkson, daughter of Guardian photographer Shirley Bahadur.
Shaggy, jokingly pretending to be American Idol judge Randy Jackson, told Hinkson she was “a diamond in the rough”.
Tonight’s show, which is being put on by International Concert Events, is scheduled to begin at 7.30 at Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain. Expect a spectacular show, said Shaggy, who will be accompanied by his full band.
This will be Shaggy’s first time sharing the stage with Sean Paul, who is these days sporting a sharp new mohawk, and fast-rising Jay Sean, who recently collaborated with US hip-hop artiste, Lil Wayne.
