Jamaican-American superstar Shaggy has revealed that his biggest hit, “It Wasn’t Me,” was not penned by him but bestowed upon him by a higher power. “People say I wrote It Wasn’t Me and my other hits, but I didn’t write any of them,” the Grammy-winning singer told the Daily Star Sunday. “If it had come from me, I would write one every week. I honestly believe these songs were given to me to help change people’s lives.”

The revelation adds a spiritual twist to a catalog that includes 1993’s breakthrough Oh Carolina, the chart-topping Boombastic, and 2001’s Angel. It Wasn’t Me, featuring Rikrok, became the UK’s best-selling single in 2000 and remains one of the top-selling singles of the 21st century. Despite early labels of “one-hit wonder,” Shaggy has enjoyed more than three decades of success, earning a BRIT Award for International Male in 2002 and sharing stages around the world.

Beyond music, Shaggy’s journey includes service as a U.S. Marine during the Gulf War. In a recent interview with Channel 4 News, he spoke candidly about wearing the uniform yet still facing racism upon returning to civilian life. “You can wear the uniform but still be viewed through the lens of your skin,” he said, describing the feeling of being treated as second class despite his service.

As a father, Shaggy is deeply mindful of the lessons he must pass on to his sons. He teaches them pride and resilience while acknowledging the harsh realities of bias. “I have to teach them they’re not less. They deserve every seat at the table,” he explained, adding that he also prepares them for a world that still views Blackness as threatening.

Reflecting on the Trump era, Shaggy called the political climate unsettling and criticized rhetoric and enforcement tactics that targeted immigrant and minority communities. “It’s unsettling when you feel like your home country doesn’t always see you as fully American,” he said, while stressing the need for leaders to recognize every citizen’s dignity.

Today, Shaggy remains on tour with Pitbull and shows no signs of slowing down. “I tour because I have fun. I have nothing to prove. I don’t need the money,” he said. “As soon as it stops being fun, then I’ll stop.” Whether through music or advocacy, he insists his platform must serve a higher purpose. “When I stand up, I do it for my children and theirs, to show that our lives, too, matter.”

From reggae hits gifted by divine inspiration to speaking out on race, service, and parenthood, Shaggy’s story is as multifaceted as his beats. His faith in a higher calling has taken him from Marine Corps barracks to global stages, carrying a message of joy, resilience, and justice every step of the way.