International reggae superstar Shaggy has urged the youth of Bermuda to stop the violence, which he has called "stupid" and enjoy a peaceful, violence-free New Year's Eve.

Shaggy will join Bermuda's superstar, Collie Buddz on stage at Par-la-Ville car park Monday night for Celebrity New Year's 07, a show that promises to be entertaining from start to finish.

The Grammy-award winning artist spoke to The Royal Gazette in a thick Jamaican accent with a hint of New York flair about his new album, performing in Bermuda after a long absence and why violence needs to stop.

The artist, born Orville Richard Burrell in 1968, performed last in Bermuda almost five years ago when he took the stage with Elephant Man at White Hill field in April 2003.

As far as performing in Bermuda, Shaggy said: "I'm kind of eager. There are so many songs I've not done.

"The last time was during the Hot Shot era. 'Hey Sexy Lady', 'Wild Tonight', and 'Church Heathen' are songs that have never been performed in Bermuda.

"It would feel good to go there and perform these songs."

Shaggy and Collie Buddz formed a friendship when Collie began recording out of his Big Yard studio in Long Island.

He said when Collie approached him about performing for NYE, it was a situation where he couldn't tell him no.

Asked about his friendship with Collie, Shaggy said: "The thing about Buddz is his humility.

"As a new artist, you don't know where you're going unless you know where you come from.

"He knows the history of the music. There are artists who have been in it for awhile and don't give it the respect.

"He's a good guy and I think there's a lot in store for him as long as he wants it that bad."

Shaggy also admitted Collie's album is one of the best reggae albums he's ever heard as a debut album.

He says Mr. Buddz is a perfectionist because he is an engineer in addition to being an artist.

Mr. Bombastic explained his performance will be high-energy and don't count on him to only perform new songs because he will take the audience back to the days of 'Oh Carolina'.

"I have these massive songs people know. I'm not one of those artist who will do all new songs, we do old songs. Probably be two new songs the most, two or three."

Shaggy said he doesn't have dancers on stage with him because he isn't the type of artist who will dance with them.

He said it doesn't make sense to have dancers unless the artist is moving along with them.

"I think the charisma of the artist must hold the level of energy with the audience. We have a full piece band, back and ground singers. Rayvon and Rik Rok are on stage with me."

The artist says his favourite song to perform varies in different countries but said lately it has been 'Strength of a Woman' especially when he visits third world countries. His all time favourite song is 'Big Up'.

The man who spends his time between Jamaica, Miami and New York encourages Bermudian who are interested in the music business to get their music heard in Jamaica first.

"One of the easiest places to get music heard is Jamaica. Why, because it's cheaper.

"To promote in America is more expensive. In Jamaica its like a media capital for music.

"So if your creating a buzz here then you are creating a buzz around the world because everyone is tuned to the music world in Jamaica."

He added because of the many regular stage shows in Jamaica, it's easy as a new artist to perform and if you are good, the music will travel and be heard everywhere.

Shaggy spoke a little bit about his new album, Intoxication, a project he did entirely by himself from marketing, promoting, A&R, the cover and the track listing.

"It's an album that's probably my most sacred of albums, probably the closest to me.

"First time in my career I've ever done it on my own. I think it's great because it leaves the opportunity for you to express your ideas and let them go out."

Although he has enjoyed the challenge, Shaggy said the drawback was funding it himself because it gets expensive.

Shaggy also urged Bermudians to stop the violence and said: "It's stupid. You start crime or robbing or shooting on an Island that small, its only a matter of time before they catch you.

"It's very very stupid. Be smart, it makes no sense. We have a lot of crime in Jamaica and we are trying to fight it because really, nobody wins with crime. You are in charge of your own destiny. You cannot blame the system for what you have not achieved."

Tickets are still on sale at iStore, Goslings on Queen Street and Music World at $125 a piece.

Earlier in the day, there will be a meet and greet with Collie Buddz at Victoria Park from 3 to 4 p.m. One hundred per cent of proceeds will be donated to the Sunshine League.