Xaimar Salmon’s natural talent shines on TikTok

Singing his cover version of Shaggy's Mr Boombastic, a track he considers one of his favourite "oldies", six-year-old Xaimar 'XaiGad' Salmon is dancing his way to fame via TikTok.

Xaimar, who is the son of former Magnum Queen of Dancehall Suspense, became a viral sensation for what his mother described as a "very dramatic, talented, most caring, sweet mouth child" persona. Though he was a bit shy for his first professional interview, Suspense said once you play music or a phone is turned on him, "Xaimar shine - it's just pure action".

"I remember Xaimar performing at his basic school graduation in his mesh merino and stuff to di song [ Hot This Year by Dirtsman] and it was crazy - it was everything. Also, he performed at this annual back-to-school treat that used to be held every year in Cross Roads, and one year he entered a competition there and Xaimar was the youngest child in the competition and he came out the winner," she shared.

The grade one student, who attends the Rock Hall Primary School, said his friends treat him like a "star" and his talent was something his mom recognised from a tender age.

"Xaimar started to walk and dance very early; and his viral videos were reposted by several artistes - Tallup, Ding Dong and others - because he's always singing and dancing from a tender age," Suspense shared for the STAR Kids Rollout feature.

However, Xaimar noted that he likes dancing more, while naming fast-emerging dancehall superstar, Nhance, as his favourite artiste.

Though he seems to spend much of his time online entertaining his fans, his stern mom, who's known for her commanding voice, said "when it's work time, it's work time".

"When both of my kids come home from school, they have to give me their books. I have to see what they're doing. I also share a close relationship with their teachers, so I check in with their teachers in the morning and again in the evening and whatever needs to get done, I get that done," she shared. "Xaimar is one of the top spellers in his class and he loves mathematics a lot. Xaimar is quick, so I don't have to do much. He knows that when it's playing time, it's playing time, when it's dance time, it's dance time, and when it's work time, it's work time. So I don't have to worry much where that is concerned," Suspense stated.

Contrary to his social media life, Suspense said Xaimar, also affectionately called Xai Xai, often receives comments from his teacher, who he adores, about the strong difference between his online persona and the quiet charmer he is at school.

When asked about what he likes doing most at school, Xaimar replied, "Play", as those in the studio erupted with laughter. When questioned about his obvious admiration towards his "favourite teacher", Mrs Waugh-McKenzie, the blushing six-year old shyly hid his face under his mom's arm, giggling.

Though there were several moments that the family would agree brought him fame, Suspense shared that one of her most memorable videos was when she convinced Xaimar that he could use all the curse words he knew, while being locked away in the bathroom, unaware that he was being recorded.

"Xaimar said him don't know no bad word at all - none; and I said 'You're not gonna get any beating' and by time I come out and come back, it was a disaster," she laughed. However, she said though she is a single mother, Xaimar has the full support of his father and entire family.

The timid lad said he feels "great" about all the love and support from family and friends which keeps him powered up and motivated to continue, because he knows his mommy feels happy about his route in entertainment and with him just being a natural talent.

While he's enjoying the luxury that comes with this life of fame, he plans to change course later to a more traditional profession.

"I want to be a police[man]," Xaimar replied when asked if he plans to pursue his passion for the arts as a possible career choice.

Suspense, a confident mother of two, said the closely knitted bond with her sons is something she values and would encourage other parents to be their children's best friends.

"I teach my kids to pray every day, be grateful, be hands-on, respectful and alert," she noted. "So being their best friend is what they need, because if they don't have someone they can talk to, they might end up sharing things with the wrong person. So being their best friend is the best thing they could ever have," she expressed with pride.