He can't say "It wasn't me" this time, because it was really him. Grammy-winning reggae singer Shaggy, who scored hits with the songs "It Wasn't Me", "Boombastic", "In The Summertime",  and "Angel", was spotted out around town this week.

Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell CD, made his way to Genesee County for a very special event held on Tuesday, November 15th. The singer visited the Genesee County Jail and was the keynote speaker at the ceremony for the latest I.G.N.I.T.E graduates.

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The unique I.G.N.I.T.E program. gaining national recognition and accolades is an educational program to help inmates rehabilitate and learn valuable skills. I.G.N.I.T.E., which stands for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education, and as of this week has held 18 graduations since its conception.

Photo: GCSD Facebook
Photo: GCSD Facebook
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Shaggy, who flew in from being on tour with Sting in New Zealand to be at the event, applauded the graduates in his speech and told them,

" I do believe you make life what it is. You have to believe in yourself", he said. "This whole experience is very very moving and it's a memory. A very good memory"

With over 200,000 teaching hours under its belt and active in 7 states now with more to come. I.G.N.I.T.E has gained major attention.  Aldwyn Wayne the founder of Colour Bank, a new way to bank started in the Caribbean, connected Shaggy with Sheriff Swanson. Colour Bank sponsors the financial literary piece of the I.G.N.I.T.E. program, and Shaggy, a partner, expressed interest in checking out the program here in Genesee County.

"He was on tour with Sting in New Zealand and flew in to see what I.G.N.I.T.E. was all about and how Colour Bank has become part of the Financial Fitness program in the jail which is just another key part of the mission", Sheriff Swanson told us." Believe it or not, while he was sitting in my office he got the call that his album 'Com Fly Wid Mi' that was produced by Sting was nominated for a Grammy".

After spending time touring the Genesee County Jail and sitting in on a few programs, Shaggy found time to visit Fenton's new hot spot, The Vault Downtown Fenton.

Customers and staff had a chance to meet the singer and The Vault team was able to grab a quick photo with the singer.

 

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