International reggae star, Shaggy, arrived in the Kingdom yesterday ready for his first Tongan concert this evening.

The outgoing and friendly reggae singer told the Tongan press this morning that his first impression of the island was similar to that of his home island, Jamaica.

"But what I found is that everyone here drives really slow but that is the island life", he laughs.

Shaggy's performance this evening celebrates the launching of the Digicel Tonga network, and he said although he did not have any vision of Tonga or what to expect he is nonetheless thrilled to be here.

He talked passionately about his music and revealed that life in general is an inspiration to all of his songs and he considers himself very blessed to be a musician.

There were scattered heavy downpours over Nuku'alofa this morning, and though by late afternoon heavy rain clouds were still over Nuku'alofa, the free concert was set to start at 4.30pm at the Tu'imatamoana fish market area of Queen Salote Wharf.