International reggae superstar Shaggy swayed his hips on a black stage as hundreds of people jigged to his tunes causing a mini dust storm in the field.

He put one hand behind his head and thrust his hips forward in a smooth boogie movement in a style some of the cheering fans said was reminiscent of Bollywood comedy guru, Govinda.

"He dances like Govinda," gushed Simran Sethi, 23, who said she bought new clothes - a neon orange hipster and black Capri pants - for the show, apart from shelling out Rs.600 for the two-hour event.

Organizers had said they expected about 15,000 people to attend the concert but finally only about half that number came. Those present packed the half-a-sq.km venue with vigorous enthusiasm at the concert late Friday.

In the middle of a large field, an enclosure had been built with aluminum tin sheets dug into the ground. Large generators whirred power for the laser lights and stereo-sound on stage.

Large balloons of main sponsor Nokia floated around and makeshift cola and snack stalls were present too.

In fact, the concert was held on the site where soon will rise a massive Delhi Haat, a permanent crafts and food fair.

Only, it was Shaggy concert where the Jamaica-born, US-based star - who has performed in over 75 countries and has sold 10 million albums worldwide - sang some of his biggest hits, including "Boombastic", which won him a Grammy in 1995.

He also belted out other favorites like "In the summertime", "Hotshot", "Luv me" and "Get my party on", as well as old hits "Strength of a woman" and "Oh Carolina" and "It wasn't me".

The crowd was liberally sprinkled with foreigners - students from Africa, researchers from Europe and development workers from the US on scholarship.

"He's (Shaggy) my man," said Samuel Najoime, a student from Kenya. "I'm now thinking of friends back home. What parties we used to have."

As the 36-year-old singer flung off his dark shades and danced in fawn Capri pants, white sleeveless T-shirt and a sleeveless fawn jacket, the crowd danced with him.

"What time is it?" cried the singer. "9," cried back some, "9:15", shouted others.

"It's Shaggy time." And so it was.