Renowned reggae and dancehall icon, Orville Richard Burrell, famously known as “Shaggy,” achieves a significant milestone in his career by making his debut appearance on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs list. His collaboration with Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie on the track “When She’s Around (Funga Macho),” released in October last year, has earned its rightful place on this chart.
The song also secured a spot on the March 30 Billboard World Digital Song Sales list, entering at No. 8. “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)” blends African rhythms with reggae vibes, a creation by AJR and released through S-Curve Records. Its accompanying music video, filled with humor and directed by Jay Will, was shot at Miami Beach, garnering over 5.3 million views on YouTube since its release.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Shaggy remarked, “Bruce’s talent is undeniable, and this collaboration opens up new horizons for both of us.” He added, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this project and hope it spreads joy and happiness worldwide.” Bruce Melodie echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Collaborating with Shaggy has been a dream come true,” further emphasizing the fusion of their distinct styles in “When She’s Around (Funga Macho).”
The US Afrobeats Songs Chart, initiated in early 2022, ranks the top 50 Afrobeats songs weekly, based on a weighted formula incorporating official streams and download sales from leading music platforms.
In other Billboard rankings, Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Legend: The Best Of” secures the top spot on the Reggae Albums list for the 219th non-consecutive week as of March 30. Sean Paul’s “Dutty Classics Collection” and Shaggy’s “Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection” claim the third and second positions, respectively.
Stick Figure’s albums “Wisdom,” “Set in Stone,” and “World On Fire” occupy positions four, five, and eight. UB40’s “Greatest Hits” lands at number six, followed by Sean Paul’s “Dutty Rock” at number seven. The Wailers and Bob Marley albums “Exodus” and “Rastaman Vibrations” round off the top ten at ninth and tenth places, respectively.
