KINGSTON, Jamaica — In April when A&M Records released 44/876, the collaborative album by British rocker Sting and Shaggy, the album quickly debuted at the top of the charts. Now, eight months later and more than 50,000 copies sold in the United States to date, the album has been recognised by the Recording Academy with a nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. As expected, both Sting and Shaggy are upbeat about the nomination.  Commenting on their nomination, Shaggy said: “From the second Sting and I set up two microphones side by side in the studio and began to record

“Don’t Make Me Wait,” it felt like we’d been friends forever.  I don’t know if it was our mutual love for reggae music or his grace and generosity but what began as one song ended up turning into an entire joint-album,

“44/876,” that led to a concert in my beloved home, Jamaica, a world tour and a lifelong friendship. For that I’m eternally grateful. And for our album to now be nominated for the Best Reggae album Grammy is a true honor. Congratulations to all the nominees.” Sting was just as excited.  “It’s an honor that the

44/876 album has been recognised by the Recording Academy with a Best Reggae Album nomination. Thank you to my dear friend Shaggy, all of the musicians who contributed to the album and tour, to the warm and wonderful people of Jamaica who welcomed us and this project with open arms and to my loyal fans for always joining me on my musical adventures”, he said. 

44/876 is the top selling reggae album of 2018 according to Billboard magazine. It spent 18 non consecutive weeks at number one on the reggae albums chart. At least three songs from the album including Don’t Make me Wait, topped Billboard Reggae Digital Songs chart. Kevin Jackson