DIAMOND-SELLING Jamaican artiste Shaggy and the Grammy-nominated duo Sly and Robbie are collaborating on a project to be released next year.

It was an excited Shaggy who told the Sunday Observer of the album for which about seven of the tracks have already been recorded.

 "It's Shaggy like you have never heard me," he said, his eyes twinkling excitement "But that's all I will say I'm gonna surprise you."

He did indicate that the tracks were recorded at his New York studio, noting that the Rhythm Twins camped out at his digs in order to get the project done, always mindful of his hectic touring schedule.

Speaking of touring, Shaggy had to close his eyes and concentrate hard to recall the countries and cities he had played in recent months. "Venice, Brussels, Abu Dhabi, Oman, New York and Dubhai are among those which come to mind right now," he stated. "The rest is a blur; it all happens too fast to remember them all."

There is also another project in the works involving Shaggy, and someone he calls a "major international act". He, however, does not want to divulge the details. "That's all I'm allowed to say right now."

Always mindful of the importance of his fan base worldwide Shaggy says the fans were the reason for the Summer in Kingston extended- play release, which hit the market earlier this year. "We just wanted to do something for the fans and it seems they liked it, as the lead single Sugar Cane has done really well, and I'm always pleased when the fanse are pleased."

Amidst the touring and recording, Shaggy the philanthropist is in the middle of preparing for his Shaggy and Friends fund-raiser in Kingston on December 30.

The event staged by his Save a Life Foundation will see proceeds going towards the construction of a 10-bed Cardiac Centre of Excellence at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston. The project is estimated to cost US$3 million.

So far the line-up includes Lauryn Hill, Ne-Yo, Deniece Williams, Stephen Marley, Chino, Romain Virgo, Tami Chynn and her husband, Wayne Marshall. They will also be joined by soca's first couple, Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons.

International artistes who have appeared on the show include Boyz II Men, Macy Gray and Joe.