Ed Sheeran's, Shape of You, was one of the biggest songs globally for 2017. The song was named bestselling song of 2017 by Nielsen Music after debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in the US.

The success of the song helped the British based singer/songwriter, take home the first ever 'Artist of the Year' award at the MTV Video Music Award for 2017, ahead of Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande and Lorde.

In an exclusive interview with The Gleaner, the 'Shape Of Your' singer said he would love to collaborate with a Jamaican artiste.

"I would love to collab with Damian Marley" he told The Gleaner.

Last year, Sheeran and his cousin Jethro Sheeran (a.k.a. Alonestar) recorded three songs (Raise Em Up, Real Life and Outlaw) for Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica, a collaboration album that features Jr Gong.

"I am proud to be on a reggae album with him (Jr Gong)," Sheeran disclosed.

In explaining his long association with reggae, Sheeran said, "I've covered reggae and hip hop songs with my guitar from before I was signed... Reggae was a part of my set when I was gigging as an indie artiste around London."

He said his fascination with reggae started as a kid growing up in Suffolk, England.

"When I went to family functions in Ireland, they would play Bob Marley. No Woman No Cry, was my favourite," he confessed.

Other international and Jamaican acts who contributed to the 'Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica' project, include Wyclef Jean, Sean Kingston, Safaree, Sean Paul, Chronixx, Vybz Kartel, Mojo Morgan, Contractor and Stephen Marley. Executive producer of the disc is Contractor Music. The album debuted at number two on Billboard Reggae Charts and has spent four consecutive weeks in the top spot.

Anthony Turner