RESPECT | Shavarr - Root | IRIE™ Magazine

Shavarr

Root

Shavarr, whose given name is Shavor Richards, is a reggae artist, songwriter, and producer hailing from Kingston, Jamaica. He was born in 1996 and raised in the heart of the city. He grew up in Maverley, an inner-city community in Kingston, in a single-parent household. As a result, he was exposed to vibrant reggae and dancehall scenes from a young age, surrounded by his uncle, auntie, and mother, all singing and writing songs together. At age 10, he wrote his first song, Secondary, which quickly became a school anthem based on the catchy hooks and flow. Shavarr began his musical career as a teenager, performing at local clubs and school events while attending Meadowbrook High School, a traditional high school located in the urban area of Kingston, Jamaica. He quickly gained a reputation from his energetic live shows and smooth vocals, drawing inspiration from reggae legends like Bob Marley and Garnett Silk.

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In 2014, Shavarr released his first official single titled Feeling The Vibe. Later that year, he released another song titled Give Way, which was featured on The Highest Riddim alongside other artists such as Sizzla, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, and Jahbar I. Legendary drummer George DustyMiller of the Fire House Crew produced the track. It received critical acclaim and helped him gain a loyal fan base. He followed this up with several other singles such as Working, Floating, Born & Raised, Kibba Yuh Mouthand more, some of which were produced by himself under the Wizkilful production label based in Jamaica. His music is a fusion of traditional reggae and modern dancehall, with lyrics focused on social justice, love, and spirituality. He is also known for his activism, using his platform to raise awareness about important issues like environmental conservation and education. Shavarr released his debut album Root in March 2023 and continues to tour, sharing his message of love and positivity with fans worldwide.