When Erphaan Alves’ Grateful Mixtape was released on November 27, 2020, he took listeners on a nostalgic trip down memory lane featuring many old and beloved songs. One that caught the special attention of Trinbagonians was “Dingolay (Mighty Shadow Tribute Feel The Love Instrumental)”.
When the late Mighty Shadow first sang “Dingolay” in 1994, it became a classic which encouraged everyone to dance with iconic lyrics such as: “If your clothes tear up or your shoe burst up/ You could still jump up, when music play/ Old lady, young baby, everybody could dingolay”. No matter your age or socioeconomic background, you’re invited to join in; that’s what Carnival is about – inclusivity and diversity. But what does it mean to ‘dingolay’? This is described as dancing with unusual movements. In other words, dance in a carefree manner and don’t worry about who is watching, even if you may look crazy. Denise Belfon picked out where he left off with “Dance and Dingolay” in 2011 singing “Ah wanna get outta hand and carry on/ Ah wanna to get on like tomorrow never come/ Ah wanna to dance and dingolay”. The word ‘dingolay’ captures the experience that every masquerader knows when they lose themselves to the music and the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, you may have to “dingolay” in your living room this year, but you can do it with a familiar yet fresh song. Using the Feel the Love Instrumental modernizes the song while matching the message of “Dingolay”.
The tribute is only available on the “Grateful Mixtape”. Listen below (18:02).
