Sean Paul’s ‘Give it Up to Me’ hits gold in the UK
Sean Paul, who recently completed his Timeless Arena Tour in Europe, has racked up another gold certified hit in the United Kingdom. His latest certification is his 20-year-old hit (When You Gonna) Give it Up to Me, featuring singer Keyshia Cole.
The song was certified Friday by the British Phonographic Industry, which commemorated 400,000 units in streaming and sales equivalent.
Over the past few months, there has been renewed interest in the song, which was released in 2006, thanks to a viral dance craze on social media platform TikTok.
Since the renewed interest, the song has re-entered multiple charts around the world. It spends a 3rd week at #31 on the UK Singles chart, while on Billboard’s Global 200, the song leaps from #59 to #52. Over on Billboard’s Global 200 Excluding US, it rockets from #47 to #35.
A few days ago, Sean Paul appeared on NBC’s Today Show with hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones. The Grammy Award-winning artiste not only brought his signature energy to the segment but also delivered a surprise donation of musical instruments to Lewisville High School, aimed at breathing new life into the St Elizabeth-based institution’s music programme and inspiring the next generation through sound and creativity.
Following Hurricane Melissa last October, Sean Paul, knowing the devastation that comes with a natural disaster of that magnitude, acted quickly through his Foundation to provide relief. Highlighting the work of the Sean Paul Foundation, he shared, “We have been to over 40 communities — 25 of which I have been to myself — to deliver food packages, other essential items, and just help people to rebuild.”
The Foundation conducted 12 trips to hurricane-affected areas across six parishes with the help of key partners, Food for the Poor Jamaica, JDF Luana Camp, and Highway to Education among others, with visits including not only homes, but churches and schools. Principal of Lewisville High School, Rosemarie Thompson Collins, was also one of the specially invited persons on the Today Show. Much to her surprise, Collins received the donation from Sean Paul.
The instruments donated include a 5-piece drum set with cymbals, two keyboards with stands, two acoustic guitars, two mini glockenspiels, two hand conga drums, a ukulele, two half-moon tambourines, and 30 recorders. The musical instruments have since been delivered to the Lewisville High School by Sean Paul’s personal stage technician Mark “Brigga” Brown. In addition to the instruments, a Starlink internet system was also presented to the principal, to aid digital learning opportunities.
The Today Show segment saw Sean Paul spotlighting his current single “Ready for the Ride”, featuring Stalk Ashley. He was joined by popular dancers Kimiko Versatile and the North Coast Boyz, who delivered a high-energy, choreographed performance.