The audience at the upcoming Summer Rave can expect a moving performance, literally.

No one gets to sit when Jamaican dancehall artist Ding Dong is performing.

“I’m always that energetic person” he told The Royal Gazette. “I put my all in it every time. I hate to see people sitting.”

Known for songs such as Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up and Genna Bounce, Ding Dong loves to get people up and dancing.

“I love to interact,” he said.

Ding Dong, real name Kemar Ottey, started out as a dancer before moving fully into music.

“Dancing, art and music always collide,” he said.

He and his dance crew, Ravers Clavers, have performed alongside the likes of Chris Brown, Elephant Man and Busta Rhymes, among others.

His latest album, Ding Dong to World Ding, reached No 1 on the US iTunes Reggae Albums chart after it was released last year.

“It is a great feeling know that something that I created had so much impact on so many people across the world,” he said. “It is just a blessing to be a part of such a huge culture that has so much influence across the world.”

The artist said social-media sites such as TikTok and Instagram have had a big impact on music promotion.

“It is easier now because you don’t even have to be a dancer to go viral with a move,” he said. “Somebody can stay inside their house and create TikTok and Instagram reels and become famous.”

Ding Dong said it is important to keep up with changing times.

“You have to grow, and you have to develop skills that will help you survive in today’s world, not in yesterday’s world,” he said.

Dancehall has a reputation for being raunchy, but Ding Dong’s brand tends to be family-friendly.

He said making fun and happy music is not always the easy route, as some might think.

“It is not easy to maintain a level of consistency, but it is my nature,” he said. “It is who I am. I see kids vibing to my thing. I see old people, Christians, Rastas, street youths, everybody.”

That universal appeal has opened doors for him through campaigns with brands such as Magnum Tonic Wine, and organisations such as Western Union and Jamaica Public Service.

“When you are representing a brand, you have to keep things clean,” he said. “You are not just representing yourself any more; you are presenting a company. Kids look up to you. Families look up to you. You have to bear that in mind.”

On July 18, Ding Dong will be sharing the stage with Dolly Girl Rebel, a Jamaican dancehall dancer and entertainer, and Bermuda artists such as General Kaution, Fiya SG, Kingg Tonkaz, Hot Dog, and DJs Ripley, Scoobay, Karim Hype FR NYC, Mista Genius and Early Warm.

Summer Rave host Eshe Grant, of Krazy Concepts, was excited to bring this level of energy and authenticity to Bermuda.

“Both Ding Dong and Rebel have made an incredible impact on dancehall culture,” she said. “Each brings a unique energy that fans are going to love.”

She said the event is an opportunity to showcase local talent alongside international icons.

“Artists like General Kaution represent the strength and growth of Bermuda's dancehall scene, so it’s exciting to see our local culture meet Jamaica's dancehall culture on one stage,” she said. “We expect an unforgettable night of music, dance and Caribbean unity. Big up to all the dancers in Bermuda and the world.”

During the show, there will be a $500 dancing challenge.

• The concert will be on July 18 in the CedarBridge Academy courtyard. Tickets are $100 at the gate or $75 from Taste the Rainbow, 47 Court Street, lower level; Fish N Tings, 45 Angle Street; or Platinum 2000 Extension Hair & Beauty Salon, 70 King Street, Hamilton