Dancer-cum-deejay Ding Dong has had a string of dance hits over the past 12 years. However, he doesn’t feel the timing is right to release an album.

“I don’t think I have reached the full potential where I want to reach. I am still learning and also trying to get people worldwide to know me and my work before I put out an album,” Ding Dong told the Jamaica Observer.

Songs including Bad Man Forward Bad Man Pull Up, Syvah, Lebeh Lebeh, Flairy, Fling and Cha Cha Bwoy (the current number one song on local charts), have kept Ding Dong busy.

He shared what has contributed to the renewed interest in dance-oriented songs in the dancehall.

“Dancing took a nosedive when events such as Passa Passa and Dutty Fridays came to an end; those were the chariots that carried dancing to the world. I said I was going to put back dancing into the dancehall and I came back with Syvah. A lot of selectors said the dancing songs were dead, then I came with Shampoo, Low Mi, and other dances. I really wanted to keep the momentum going,” she said.

He continued: “It is the mindset I had in order to bring back dancing into the dancehall. I wanted people to know dancing and the party vibes is where the fun is inside the dancehall. The dancers, the selectors, the radio disc jocks, they all contribute to this.”

Hailing from the Nannyville community in Kingston, Ding Dong (given name is Kemar Ottey) started out as a dancer. He first recorded for producer Danny Champagnie. He later made a guest appearance on Voicemail’s Wacky Dip (Tribute to Bogle), which was produced by Don Corleon. He was also featured on Voicemail’s next hit Ready to Party, which was also produced by Champagnie.

However, the first solo hit he earned came via New York-based Ricky Blaze, who worked on the infectious Bad Man Forward Bad Man Pull Up, which not only topped local charts, but also got ample rotation on New York’s influential Hot 97 FM.

“Ricky Blaze said he had a rhythm and he wanted me to put a vibe on it. It became one of my biggest songs to date,” said Ding Dong.

In 2009 he scored again with Holiday, featuring singer Chevaughn Clayton.

“I choose to do songs different in my own way so that they can be relatable to my generation. Everyone is dancing — from old to the young, corporate to the street. It’s crazy. Elephant Man did it his way and Voicemail did it their way,” Ding Dong shared.

He spoke about the driving force that keeps him motivated.

“Just life itself keeps me motivated. I’m a fighter and I don’t do anything loose. I try to make the youths from my community understand that it’s not where you come from that determines who you are. When I see people dancing and having fun to my songs, it brings joy to my heart. I try to help the youths by giving them a platform and a sense of direction. You can use your God-given talent, work hard, believe in yourself, and achieve.”

Ding Dong’s next major local assignment is the Magnum Xplosion on December 14 at Melbourne Cricket Oval in Kingston. Also billed to perform are Aidonia, Teejay, Spice, Govana, Devin Di Dakta, Bluugo, Bling Dawg, General B, Chico, Ward 21 and Mr Lexx.