
Sting and Shaggy
Photo: Recording Academy
Sting And Shaggy Talk Music Advocacy, Philanthropy & More
GRAMMY winners Sting and Shaggy are not necessarily the most-expected of collaborators, but their passion for music was part of what brought them together. The duo, who have been playing shows around the world together the past few months, stopped by the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Oct. 7 for a special edition of Up Close & Personal presented by the Recording Academy and moderated by the organization's Chief Industry, Government & Member Relations Officer Daryl Friedman.
In the intimate discussion, Sting and Shaggy talked about the causes most important to them and why it's important for musicians to both give back to the things near to their hearts as well as advocate for their rights as music creators. The two artists also discussed how their latest musical collaboration came together.
On an evening focused on music advocacy, Sting and Shaggy revealed they are supportive of improving music creators' rights. This passion is shared by others in the industry and is reflected in recent efforts by members of the music community advocating for the Music Modernization Act, new legislation which would establish fairer rates and greater protections for all music creators. Thanks to widespread, bipartisan support for the bill and increased awareness around the need for copyright law reform to protect creators, the bill has passed both the House and Senate and currently awaits final approval by the President.
Sting and Shaggy also discussed their ongoing dedication to giving back as musicians, using their platforms for social good. They shared two of their biggest causes, the Rainforest Foundation Fund and the Make a Difference Foundation, and why it has been important to each of them to contribute to the communities and causes they’re passionate about. They encouraged other musicians to use their platforms for good, including to advocate for artists' rights and the music community as a whole.
For anyone lucky enough to be in the room for this exclusive event, Sting and Shaggy brought down the house, closing the night with a special performance of some of their new songs, serving as a reminder of the magic music can create.
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