Fete for family, friends on Ele's 42nd - Energy God to release Shizzle EP in November

BIRTHDAY WISH: "I'd like to see the artistes live together as one. When many artistes were starving them stay friends. Now everybody get successful is like them never know one another"

Oneal 'Elephant Man' Bryan, the high-spirited Virgo, celebrated his 42nd birthday on Monday, September 11, but this year kept the fÍte small, surrounded by family members and friends at his home in Kingston. One of Elephant Man's wishes is, "I'd like to see the artistes live together as one. When many artistes were starving, them stay friends. Now everybody get successful, is like them never know one another."

"The vibes is so tense in the entertainment industry to the point where it affects the shows," he continued.

In 1997, the Scare Dem artiste appeared on the dancehall scene in Jamaica. The artiste has not only influenced the work of many vocalists, but dancers as well.

Dubbed the 'Energy God' for his famed dance-related tracks like Nuh Linga, Signal Di Plane, Willie Bounce and Pon Di River, among others, he has not slowed down. He reassures fans that "a lot of studio work is being done, and I have not stopped touring or performing at non-stop shows".

Named after slang

Music lovers worldwide can expect the release of his EP, Shizzle, in November.

"I've never released an album with that title, and I am always using the slang, so Willie Daniels (from VP Records) suggested that Shizzle be the name," said Elephant Man told The Gleaner.

In the 20 years of his career, Elephant Man has experimented with many types of musical sounds, collaborating with hip-hop/R&B artistes such as Wyclef Jean, Rihanna, Lil' Jon and Busta Rhymes, as well as Kat DeLuna, a female recording artiste from the Latin/reggaeton markets.

However, Elephant Man remains focused on improving his dancehall style that initially got him attention on the local and international scene.