Chi Ching Ching celebrates son’s high school graduation

“Dad, next time you come to my graduation, it will be from university.” Those were the words of a happy and confident son as he hugged his proud father, who was present and centre at his high school graduation recently. Dancehall artiste Chi Ching Ching was indeed a proud papa as he watched his son Jaheem walk across the stage at Slam North Campus in Miami to collect his diploma in front of family, friends, well-wishers and fellow graduates.

The family gathering included Jaheem’s mother, grandmother and aunt, who were all excited to see him throw his cap in the air with his classmates as he celebrated the end of his secondary school journey. THE STAR spoke with the Turning Tables artiste, whose given name is Radion Beckford, about what it felt like to see his 18-year-old offspring accomplish his first major milestone and what his thoughts, wishes and aspirations for his future were.

Chi Ching Chin said that he had to celebrate his son's recent graduation as he believed that both ‘presence’ and ‘presents’ were important. 

“It was everything – not just for me, but for him as well. My gift for his success was money so he could purchase the car he wanted, but not even that was as important as him seeing me there. Being there physically was more important than any material thing. Because of my schedule, I often miss important days, but I always try my best to be there,” he said.

Jaheem is headed to Doral College in Florida and has already completed more than 500 hours of community service. 

“Knowing where he's coming from to where he has reached is the real victory for me. Seeing him graduate made me extra proud. I just can’t tell you how happy I am,” said Chi Ching Ching.

The artiste, who is the proud parent of three boys, emphasised that the best thing about being a father is how, once you become one, your perspective, priorities and purpose change because now someone other than yourself becomes the focal point of your life and the driving force behind your ambition. 

“Children change your outlook on life. I finally understand the sacrifice my father made because here I am doing the same for my kids,” he said.

Currently, Chi Ching Ching is about to release several songs, including one he said was done in collaboration with one of the baddest female artistes out there, but for now, he holds the details close to his chest. 

“And I am just preparing for a busy summer, as I will be all over the US and Europe.”