12 hours ago
2
On her new single, which was released last Friday via VP Records, singer Shuga revisits Bobby Bloom’s 1970 classic, Montego Bay. Produced by Donovan Germain, the track reimagines the song in a reggae style and features a saxophone performance by Dean Fraser. It serves as the lead single from her forthcoming project.
Montego Bay has been recorded by several artistes over the years, including The Bar-Kays, Sugar Cane, The Allniters, and Amazulu, whose 1986 version became an international hit. Shuga brings the song back to its namesake city, where she was born and raised, shaping the recording as a direct tribute to her roots.
The single also reflects Shuga’s early years performing on the hotel entertainment circuit along Jamaica’s north coast. Montego Bay played a central role in her development as a singer, and the song connects her current work to the place where her career began. Shuga, a past student of Herbert Morrison Technical High School, is from Bogue Hill in Montego Bay.
Initially set for release on November 7, the single was postponed following the impact of Hurricane Melissa and now arrives as the city works toward restoring normal activity. A video filmed in late summer in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board, featuring locations around the city and cameos from Montego Bay-based musicians, has also been held back and will be released in late January.
Last week, Shuga, whose real name is Mitsy Campbell, created a GoFundMe to assist in hurricane recovery.
“As I sat with family at my childhood home in Jamaica, peeking through the window at the Category 5 horror reaping trees, destroying homes and taking lives, fear kicked in. But there was absolutely no time to cry because for as long as the danger last, we were fighting to stay alive. The entire city of Montego Bay and other parishes were badly ravaged during the direct hit from Hurricane Melissa. Melissa has left so many people devastated, uncertain, and still trying to pick up the pieces. Food and basic supplies are urgently needed ... for so many people hope is nothing but a myth; and getting back to normality is so farfetched or immediately unattainable. Let’s all spread a little hope and a little love by donating what we can to help them see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Shuga pleaded.
The GoFundMe has a goal of US$9,000.
The song, Montego Bay – which also introduces her upcoming album Girl From Montego Bay, scheduled for late spring 2026 – follows her singles What If and Love Doctor, which was featured in Billboard. Her year has included performances with Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, and Christopher Martin, as well as an appearance at the Freddie McGregor & Friends concert.
English (US) ·