Eek-A-Mouse – Wa-Do-Dem

Wa-Do-Dem by Eek-A-Mouse is a landmark in the evolution of dancehall music. Released in 1981, the album introduced Eek-A-Mouse's distinctive "sing-jay" style, blending melodic singing with rhythmic toasting. This innovative approach, combined with his playful "biddy-beng-beng" vocalizations, set the album apart from its contemporaries and contributed to its lasting influence in the genre.

The production, helmed by Henry "Junjo" Lawes and backed by the Roots Radics band, provides a robust foundation for Eek-A-Mouse's unique vocal delivery. The album's tracks, characterized by their infectious rhythms and humorous storytelling, resonate with both reggae aficionados and casual listeners alike, cementing Wa-Do-Dem's status as a classic in the dancehall canon.

Reviews

"Before the sing-jay style even had a name, Eek-A-Mouse exploded on the Jamaican reggae charts with his first big hit, 'Wa Do Dem.' The easy beat and effortless flow of his lyrics appealed to both uptown and downtown listeners, launching the career of the eccentric ... ." – Pitchfork

"With its nonsense scat rhymes and tales of romantic misadventure, Wa-Do-Dem is a stunning early example of the dancehall sing-jay's craft: malevolent rhythms leavened by Eek's cheeky 'biddy-beng-beng' croon." – The Guardian

"Wa-Do-Dem has a wonderful easy-going quality to it, fired by the Radics slamming beats and Lawes' dubby production, a sound that took both Jamaica and the U.K. by storm." – AllMusic