IT may have been a media launch commemorating the release of his long-awaited debut album but the atmosphere mimicked a dancehall session. The latter was no surprise as Ding Dong, having gained exposure as a dancer, has consistently given Jamaica and the world tracks to keep them moving.

The energy was high and the vibe was right as media representatives, politicians, corporate giants and colleagues alike flooded Romeich Entertainment’s headquarters to celebrate the entertainer’s milestone moment.

Guests, who included the likes of Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, former Member of Parliament Lisa Hanna, fellow musicians and dancers, got a chance to preview several of the tracks on the album titled From Ding Dong to World Ding.

Among them was a spirited gospel song featuring Vanessa Bling. The single, fittingly titled Glory, opens the 13-track project and immediately sent the launch attendees into praise mode. Dubbing the track as one of his favourites, Ding Dong said he wanted to ensure the album had something on it for everyone.

“Everybody have a song pan di album. We have club bangers, we have gospel, dancing songs, relationship songs. I made sure to touch topics that are socially interactive that everyone can relate and vibe to,” he said. “When you’re doing music for a period of time you have to have a body of work, but I never rush it because I didn’t want to just put out some songs and say, ‘A one album this.’ I was trying to, and I did, make a no-skip album where you have to listen all a di album.”

Speaking of all the songs, Ding Dong took fans back to the genesis of his career as he talked about the days he and his team would party-hop in the streets of the Corporate Area. He shared that in those days he was fuelled by a hunger to be more, and outlined that though he has accomplished much, that hunger is still present. He also shared that with the album chronicling his musical journey it wouldn’t be complete without an ode to one of the songs that helped to change the trajectory of his career.

Revealing that the album has a remix of his notable hit single Badman Forward, Badman Pull Up, which features Skillibeng, Ding Dong said the album will also show his growth.

On the topic of growth, a number of Ding Dong’s corporate business partners turned up to support the entertainer. Dubbing the Flairy artiste as the consummate professional and one of the easiest artistes to work with, the partners congratulated Ding Dong on his musical development and urged dancehall fans to get the album.

“We’re here celebrating Ding Dong, our friend. Ding has been a part of our GraceKennedy family since June 2018 and he owns a very special title — he is our global brand ambassador — and he has been on such an amazing journey with us. He has been with us through jingles and he brings his unique energy to anything that he participates in for Grace and we just love him, and tonight is so special for us as we gather to launch his debut album From Ding Dong to World Ding,” said Michaela Francis, head of marketing at Grace Foods & Services.

Echoing those sentiments were Brandon Wallace, Magnum Tonic Wine’s brand manager.

Dubbing the moment as a big deal, Wallace said Ding Dong has made a lasting impact on dancehall culture.

“On behalf of Magnum Tonic Wine we just want to big up Ding Dong on this momentous occasion, the release of his first album. It’s a major moment and a really big deal for us. It’s a real testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. He has evolved over the years, starting out as a dancer and now he’s a big dancehall artiste, a trendsetter in Jamaican dancehall music,” said Wallace.

Also chiming in on the praises was Reshima Kelly Williams, brand marketing manager for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS). Ding Dong is JPS’s energy ambassador.

“JPS is absolutely excited to be a part of this journey with Ding Dong. He has been with us for quite some time and we have extended that partnership because he means so much to us in a powerful way. We are here to help Ding keep his shine on, and it is so important for us to be here and we are proud of him. He is an absolute professional.”

Meanwhile, Grange jokingly shared that had she still been in the business of artiste management there would be a battle to see who would be his manager, as she shared that the artiste represents the best of Jamaica. The minister expressed that as a lover of dancehall music she can always count on Ding Dong for wholesome entertainment guaranteed to get one excited about dance and the dancehall.

“I had an extremely busy day — I didn’t even get the chance to go home and change — but I had to show my face and tell you how proud I am. I wish it were the days when I was managing dancehall artistes [as] Romeich would have a problem,” she said, eliciting laughter from the audience. “I love dancehall, and I just want you to continue flying the flag for Jamaica.”

The praises carried on for a heavy portion of the night as everyone wanted to ensure the entertainer knew what he means to dancehall. But as soon as the formalities were done, it was straight party mode as songs from the album echoed from the speakers.

There was even a surprise appearance from Stalk Ashley, who joined Ding Dong on stage as they performed their single
Who She Choose, which also features Govana.

From Ding Dong to World Ding was released on Friday and features 13 tracks with collaborations from the likes of Busta Rhymes, Skeng, Afro B, Skillibeng, Kaka Highflames and Popeye Caution.