Elephant Man to headline Strictly 2K

As dancehall entertainer Elephant Man puts it, it's hard to speak of the 2000s without mentioning his name. For this reason and more, the high-energy performer is headlining the local return of Strictly 2K at Mas Camp in Kingston on May 28.

"We brought a lot to the table in the 2000s such as hit songs and a lot of dancing, so it's going to be crazy," Ele told THE STAR. "It's the first time the 'Energy Gad' will be performing after the pandemic for his fans and the Jamaican people so it's gonna be very nice."

After making his musical debut as part of the 90s Scare Dem Crew, Ele found his niche in the new millennium, leading a new wave of dancehall music which promoted the latest dance moves. From hits like Log On, Pon De River Pon De Bank, Signal the Plane, Blase, Scooby Doo, and Fan Dem Off, Ele's music propelled Jamaican dance culture and music worldwide, ultimately attracting international collaborations with big names like Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, Mariah Carey, Lil' Jon, Rihanna and Kat Deluna. Beyond dancing, he's also made his mark as arguably the sample king, and yes, he'll be bringing his colourful hair and climbing antics to the Strictly 2K audience.

"You're gonna get the mad Ele, the yellow hair, the climbing, jump inna crowd. I'm calling all the fat, thick and skinny ladies; don't play with me at Strictly 2K or feel like unno a go hide from me. Mi want fat woman a drop mi dung, jump pon me, mi a lift dem up, look, we're gonna have a ball. A Strictly 2K so yuh haffi get the '2K Ele' - a weh yaa go with 2022 Ele?"

The upcoming staging will unfold under the theme 'Best of the 2000's', which marketing and communications director at 2K Entertainment, Ibrahim Konteh, said justifies Ele as the headliner.

"Strictly 2K is the best throwback party in Jamaica and it is only fitting that we return with the best artiste of the 2000's: Elephant Man," he said.

"Locally and worldwide, Ele is recognised for his Billboard-charted songs, and we are really excited to work with him to make dancehall nice again. Ele is known for his high-energy sets so be prepared for a night of non-stop dancing and high energy fun."

Also providing entertainment that night will be Chromatic LIVE, Coppershot and ZJ Chrome.

Strictly 2K had its first staging in December 2016, filling a gap in the local party scene which either only catered to all eras, or featured music from eras no later than the 90s.