Diamond-selling, multiple Grammy award-winning artiste and philanthropist Shaggy, is ready to add actor to his résumé as he prepares for his role as Sebastian, the loveable lobster, in this Tuesday’s live production of The Little Mermaid set to air on American television network ABC.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer Shaggy explained that he was excited at this new undertaking which saw him flying into Los Angeles to squeeze in rehearsals on his days off from the 40th anniversary tour with British reggae band UB40.

“It is quite challenging, but I’m enjoying it,” he shared.

“I have been offered roles in film and television before, but never felt the time was right. When we released Hot Shot back in 2000 there were lots of these offers coming in. At one point I was even offered my own show on MTV. At the time my team felt it just wasn’t the right time. It was felt that given the fact that I was breaking new ground for reggae and Jamaican music that should be the focus. Movies and television would have possibly been a distraction. Now that I have made all these strides and things have reached a certain level, it’s now time to enter a new arena, and I look forward to playing Sebastian on live television,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The promotional trailer features Shaggy’s vocals on Under The Sea, the catchy number which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song from the animated film. Shaggy has put his spin on the classic, giving Sebastian a distinctly Jamaican sound.

The Little Mermaid Live also stars Auli’i Carvalho as Ariel, Queen Latifah as Ursula, John Stamos as Chef Louis, and Graham Phillips as Prince Eric.