‘It’s the greatest feeling’ Ding Dong reflects on Performer of the Year win at CMAs

Dancer Ding Dong has established himself as a prominent figure in the dancehall space, with a string of hits and a steady stream of dance moves emerging from his Ravers camp.

Ding Dong took home the Dancehall Performer of the Year award at last Saturday’s staging of the Caribbean Music Awards (CMAs), an honour he says has been a long time coming.

“It’s a great, great, great feeling. This is an award that I’ve been working hard towards over the years as one of the things I would have liked to achieve. Performing is a major part of my career and is a craft I take extremely seriously. So, to get the recognition for what we [have] been putting the work into is the greatest feeling,” Ding Dong told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The honour was made even more special for the entertainer because it was determined by votes from his fans.

“It just goes to show that the people see the work you put in and the many big stages you perform on. It’s like people finally acknowledge what we do, and I really love and appreciate that,” Ding Dong explained.

Despite the humility, the love and support towards the Ravers’ boss and his crew have been warranted for some time now, especially when one considers his longevity and legacy within the dancehall industry.

According to the Bounce singjay though, “a just God push me fi do dis. So, the blessings have to follow”.

Saturday’s event was the fourth staging of the Caribbean Music Awards and the first time the awards were held in Trinidad and Tobago. While Jamaicans dominated the dancehall category, Trinidad artiste Prince Swanny took home the award for Dancehall Album of the Year, a category in which Ding Dong was also nominated.

According to Ding Dong, the win was a major victory for Trinidad.

“This was a big, big win for Prince Swanny, for Trinidad. When you consider the sheer talent competing for the same award, you know it was no easy feat to come out on top. And, to be honest, I think it came at the right time for Trinidad, as they had a big violence spree recently. So, for the youths to come together to push unity through music, it’s an amazing thing to watch happen in real time.”

The entertainer went on to explain the importance of an awards show like the CMAs while commending the organising team.

“I think we needed this, the region needed this, and having something that is our own that continues to break barriers and encourage unity is the most powerful force out there,” Ding Dong said.