Colourful dancehall act, Elephant Man, got the ultimate stamp of approval from the music industry on Wednesday night when he was nominated for a Grammy award. The 'Energy God', as he is popularly known, is being nominated for the first time for his album Let's Get Physical. He is also the only pure dancehall artiste nominated.

Other nominees

The other nominees are 1999 winner, Burning Spear, for Jah Is Real, Jamaican-born rapper Heavy D, for Vibes and the enigmatic Lee 'Scratch' Perry, who won in 2002, for Repentance.

Intoxication by Shaggy, who won in 1995, and Sly and Robbie's Amazing are the other nominations. Sly and Robbie are also previous winners, having won in 1998.

Pinnacle of the career

Elephant Man said winning the Grammy would be the pinnacle of his career.

"It would mean a lot 'cause if you ask anyone mi always a bring the energy, a jump and entertain di people," he said. "It would be di biggest achievement. Music carry me overseas and let me see di world; to have a Grammy unda my belt would be the best. No one can seh mi don't deserve it, 'cause even when mi tek weh miself or mi deh bout mi always have good music."

The 51st annual Grammy awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 8.

The cover of Shaggy's latest album, 'Intoxication'. - Contributed