By Teino Evans, Staff ReporterFIVE OF dancehall's current finest, Elephant Man, T.O.K, Beenie Man, Sizzla and Vybz Kartel, have earned nominations for the 2004 Source Awards to be held in Miami, Florida, on October 10.
They were nominated in the Dancehall/Reggae Artist of the Year category. Those with whom The Gleaner spoke were pleased with the nomination and look forward to their chances of winning.
The 'Energy God', Elephant Man, said he was very grateful for such an opportunity and says whether he wins or not, being in the spotlight can only do a world of good for his career.
"Mi feel very good an give the Lord thanks. I'm representing Jamaica and dancehall music. It's very good for my career, because it's also good promotion and any promotion is good promotion. It keeps the artistes in the eyes of the people and they can see that the work is not in vain," Elephant Man said.
T.O.K was also in good spirits about the awards, as they too see it as something that can further expose dancehall/reggae music all over the world. However, group member Xavier says they are trying not to think about the actual outcome of the awards, as they realise that the competition is strong.
"Basically, the Source Awards is very popular all over the world and it feels good to know that we are nominated. This time around we have younger artistes like Vybz Kartel being nominated and this means that people all around are getting to know dancehall music and artistes and I think that this is very good for our music. We are hoping for the best; the competition is great, because Elephant and Beenie have an album out now, so maybe they have an edge," Xavier said.
Vybz Kartel was humbled by the nomination. In an earlier interview with THE STAR he said it was a joy to be nominated for a Source Award, especially alongside other big names in dancehall.
"Just being nominated is an honour for me. Look at Beenie who is on BET from in the 90s, Ele has his videos there for quite a while now and look pon me being in the same category of nominations. It's an honour," he said.
Other nominees Beenie Man and Sizzla however, could not be reached for comment.
The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards 2004 ceremony will be aired on the BET network.
