As Carnival season gets into full swing, discussions center on how to create an authentic Carnival experience in Jamaica and the place of mass in Jamaica's entertainment space.
On the other hand, some argue that Jamaica is so deeply rooted in dancehall that soca and carnival events cannot find the right soil to blossom. Others argue that the two can exist on opposite sides of the fence.
But for dancehall hitmaker and entertainer Ding Dong, balancing the two is an exercise in expressing our heritage as Caribbean people.
“Dancehall and Carnival are just heaps on. Last year, when we brought flair and a different flavor to the road, many felt confused at first, because they never knew how much they loved it. Because there is none,” Ding Dong said. sunday greener.
“But on the track with Yard Mass last year, we never just played soca music or dancehall music, we mixed everything. And we danced to both dancehall and soca. We enjoyed the atmosphere and everyone had a great time,” he continued.
This mixture, stir fry The singer explained that he was even able to have artists from both genres collaborate frequently without any problems, which is not unusual for him.
“There are also soca artists who fuse dancehall songs or collaborate with dancehall artists. They want to have a wider range and reach, so they try to create a different sound,” says Ding. Don said.
“At the end of the day, it's one Caribbean,” he said.
vibes master
This year, Ding Dong is partnering with the Yard Mass team to bring a unique experience to road marches. Hitmaker and fellow dance sensation Christina 'Dancing Rebel' Nelson was announced as the band's brand ambassador on Wednesday.
The band's managing director, Andrew Bellamy, said the partnership “represents the seamless fusion of Jamaican dance culture and the exhilarating Soca Road March experience” that his band is famous for.
“They fit perfectly into the spirit of our Yard Mass movement. They are natural entertainers and trendsetters in the dancehall space. So when we infuse local culture into our carnival processions, they “It was a perfect match,” he said. sunday greener.
Ding Dong echoed similar sentiments and shared his excitement about attending the festival.
“Just being able to be part of a carnival space is a big thing as a dancehall artiste. Yeah, any song can be carnival. So we can have the catalog we need to give people something different.” “I consider myself fortunate that I was able to do so,” he said.
Thinking about what this partnership means to him, Ding Dong recalled a time when he attended the festival like other patrons.
“When I see the crowd, the energy, the atmosphere, it always reminds me of when I normally walk with the young people. And I look at myself now and see that the best of the track is a completely different feeling. ” he said.
To young stars and future artists looking to develop themselves and their craft, Ding Dong suggests doing what you love.
“Well, I never worked hard with the intention of getting there. I just did it for the love of music. So instead of dweeting because you love it, other people It's not because it looks dweet. Love will take you many places,” said Ding Dong.
The Carnival Road March returns to the streets of Jamaica on April 7th. Bellamy says those who enjoy Yard Mass can expect lots of delicious food and “an overall non-stop atmosphere 'Yard Style.'”
“Masquerade attendees will enjoy an authentic Jamaican road march experience with air-conditioned lunch and dinner, premium pour-over options on the road, and the trendiest DJs from Jamaica, the Caribbean, and North America, Trinidad… We're looking forward to a high-energy performance by Lord Tobago, including cameos from March Winners, Mikal Teja, Ding Dong and several more artists, a much-anticipated swag bag, and a seamless distribution system,'' said Bellamy. said.
kenrick.morgan@gleanerjm.com