“Oh Carolina” by Shaggy is a high-energy, reggae-dancehall cover that launched the Jamaican-American artist into international fame. Released in 1993, it was the debut single from his first album, Pure Pleasure, and became an unexpected global hit.
The song is a modern reinterpretation of the original 1960 ska track by the Folkes Brothers, which was produced by Prince Buster and featured Count Ossie’s nyabinghi drumming—a pioneering moment in early Jamaican music. Shaggy’s version retained the core melody and rhythm but infused it with dancehall flair, heavy basslines, and his distinctive gravelly voice, giving the track a bold, contemporary twist.
“Oh Carolina” gained major attention after being featured in the 1992 film Sliver, and its infectious rhythm quickly made it a club and radio favorite. It soared to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, staying there for two weeks, and also charted well in several other countries across Europe and Oceania.
The song’s success established Shaggy as a rising star in the reggae/dancehall world and set the stage for his later crossover hits like “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me.”
With its mix of old-school Jamaican roots and modern dancehall swagger, “Oh Carolina” remains a landmark hit from the early ’90s, and a defining moment in Shaggy’s career.