Ding Dong ‘honoured’ to join BZR WKND line-up

Dancehall artiste Ding Dong is honoured to join the line-up for Campari BZR WKND (Bizarre Weekend) Jamaica. “It is always one a dem great feeling deh fi know seh you get considered or you’re a part of these international show pon Jamaican soil, yuh know wha I mean? “ said Ding Dong.

For him, representing dancehall on a stage such as this was a source of pride. “[It is] always a honour fi be one a dem person deh fi bring dah real dancehall street vibes deh to dem international stage yah pon di local scene. It’s always a blessing.”

The organisers confirmed on Monday the addition of four dancehall artistes, including Ding Dong, Malie Donn, Stalk Ashley and Shaneil Muir, to the line-up for Cardi B & Friends, taking place Sunday, October 18 at the National Stadium.

The addition rounds out a show that already features Cardi B and Keyshia Cole, with Spice as host, bringing together hip-hop, R&B and dancehall.

Ding Dong brings nearly two decades of experience to the stage. A dancer turned recording artiste and founder of the Ravers Clavers dance crew, he has delivered a steady run of dancehall anthems over the years, earning the award for Dancehall Performer of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards 2026.

Stalk Ashley and Shaneil Muir bring a strong female presence to the line-up, each carving out space in dancehall on their own terms. Stalk Ashley has built a loyal following with a sound that moves between dancehall and R&B. Shaneil Muir has earned her place with her ability to sing, rap and deejay, using that versatility to connect with audiences while championing messages of female empowerment.

Malie Donn rounds out the addition as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. Known for a harder-edged, trap-influenced dancehall sound, he broke out with his 2023 single V6 and has since taken his commanding live show to two of Jamaica’s major stages, Sting and Reggae Sumfest.

“Ding Dong, Malie Donn, Stalk Ashley and Shaneil Muir represent exactly what we wanted on this stage: real dancehall energy. Each brings something different to the line-up, from Ding Dong’s ability to move a crowd after nearly two decades in the game to the fresh energy of Malie Donn, Stalk Ashley’s distinctive sound, and Shaneil Muir’s versatility as an artiste,” Ryan Burke, managing director, BZR WKND, said.

He added, “Bringing them together alongside Cardi B, Keyshia Cole, with Spice as host, gives patrons a night that celebrates the depth and diversity of dancehall music, while putting our artistes on a stage with some of the biggest names in international industry.”

BZR WKND debuted in 2023, bringing R&B star Chris Brown to Jamaica. The festival returns this year with an expanded multi-day experience.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com