The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is pleased to announce that two-time Grammy award-winning recording artiste Shaggy will perform at the Virtual Toronto Benefit Awards 2021 on May 22.

The event kicks of at 7:00 p.m. for the Eastern Caribbean and 6:00 p.m. Jamaica time.

Shaggy, born Orville Burrell in Kingston, Jamaica, has sold over 30 million albums to date. He has racked up no fewer than eight singles in the Billboard Hot 100, including two that went to No. 1, as well as seven albums on the Billboard 200, with four in the Top 40. 

RECEIVED LUMINARY AWARD IN 2015

A phenomenal philanthropist, especially for children, this year marks the dancehall reggae artiste’s second appearance at the Awards. In 2015, he received the Toronto Gala’s Luminary Award and closed the event with a surprise live performance of some of his biggest hits. On that occasion, he raised CAD$33,000 for the university’s scholarship fund. Following the awards event, Shaggy partnered with The UWI on a number of outreach projects, including presenting a keynote in the Reggae Talks series, hosted by the Department of Literature in English.

The UWI Indies Toronto Benefit Awards supports the university’s scholarship fund, and the signature event honours leaders and organisations of Canadian and Caribbean heritage, or those whose bodies of work have impacted the Caribbean region. 

This year’s honourees include: 

•  Dr. Graça Machel and Ms. Naomi Campbell – Luminary Award

• Mr. Denham Jolly, C.M. – G. Raymond Chang Award

• CAMH: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – Chancellor’s Award

• Mrs. Wendy Beckles, Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Professor Kevin Fenton – Vice-Chancellor’s Award

Hosted by CBC News Anchor Dwight Drummond, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, since its inception, has provided over 600 scholarships to students in financial need.  

This year’s appeal for scholarship funding is even more critical than ever.  The event, which is the largest fundraiser for The UWI, in Canada, due to the pandemic health and safety guidelines, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2021 will be streamed online.

Registration to access and watch the gala celebration is free. 

To register for the 12^th annual UWI Toronto Benefit Virtual Awards, log on to: http://www.uwitorontogala.org