Foto: Anne-Marie Forker
Oslo’s Sentrum Scene was transformed into a tropical dancehall on Tuesday night as reggae superstar Shaggy delivered a high-energy performance on his “Lottery” tour that had the packed venue singing along from the first song to the last. Only a few songs in, and people were dancing in the balcony.Backed by a tight band, the Jamaican artist proved why he remains one of the most enduring entertainers in popular music. The rhythm section delivered deep reggae grooves while seamlessly shifting into dancehall pop arrangements that kept the crowd moving. Visual production was relatively simple but effective, allowing the music and performance to remain the focal point.
The crowd erupted when the opening notes of classics such as “Boombastic,” “It Wasn’t Me,” and “Angel” filled the hall. Shaggy brought fresh energy to every hit, encouraging audience participation and keeping the atmosphere festive throughout the evening. There were also snippets of famous reggae songs and covers such as Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime”, and some new material.
What stood out most was Shaggy's stage presence. Decades into his career, he remains a natural performer, constantly interacting with the audience, encouraging participation, and keeping the momentum high between songs. His trademark gravelly voice sounded strong throughout the evening, and his playful banter added a personal touch that made the large venue feel intimate. He asked the crowd: “Oslo! Who here has had a lot to drink? [cheers]. Who here has had a LOT to drink? [more cheers]”. Then he quipped: “What a bunch of drunks, look at them!”
The highlight of the night came during the encore, when the audience sang nearly every word back to the stage. By the time the final song, “Feel the Rush”, ended, it was clear that Oslo had embraced the reggae icon wholeheartedly. A combination of nostalgia and infectious energy made for a memorable summer evening in Oslo.
