Chris Thomas The CEO looks to Grammys

Considerations for the 66th annual Grammy Awards have been announced, and Chris Thomas The CEO, producer/artiste of I.W.A.A.D. Music LLC, has more than one reason to be excited.

The Jamaican, who is based in the US, has been selected for consideration in three categories. The first is for Girl Let Me Show You, a collaboration with country singer Brian Iannucci, which falls in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category. The second is for Some Type O Way with Dancehall King and two-time Grammy winner Beenie Man in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. Rounding off the considerations is for the 10-track album Power, which is being considered for Best Reggae Album.

"The value in winning, to me, makes a statement that your musical peers have seen and recognised your work. It sends a message to your fans and supporters that you are 'merited' in your field. Just to be considered is a honour," he said.

"To say the least, a lot of music fans all over keep telling me, 'Chris you need a special Christmas present this year, if it is even one, you deserve it. You are a professional who believes in the best in whatever you do, even for others.' So, keep your fingers crossed," he added.

He said that if the Grammy considerations lead to an actual nomination and Grammy, "so let it be".

The Grammy nominees are set to be announced in November, with the big awards next February.

Dancehall reggae/Afrobeat artiste Shaka Pow, who shares the producers' imprint for Power and Some Type O Way, called Chris Thomas The CEO a "perfectionist".

"[He] has studied, worked and immersed self and team to the upliftment of dancehall/ reggae music, while leaning on other genres of music. He has a unique blend and sound which has international appeal. Some Type O Way ... boasts a remake of Steely and Clevie's 'Young Gal Business' riddim," he shared.

Christopher Thomas The CEO hails from Tryall Heights, Spanish Town, St Catherine. He started his journey at Camperdown High School, being active in music. He then became the entertainment co-ordinator for the Police Youth Club, staging concerts to raise well-needed funds for community projects.

He migrated to join his mother in the US in 1994, and thereafter began organising stage shows in New York, with acts including Bunny Wailer, Dancehall Queen Carlene and G. Maffiah. He formed Powermix Records and Entertainment Group in 2000 and began producing for acts, including Luciano and Elephant Man.

As an artiste, Thomas recorded several songs, including Gwaan Good and Stand Your Ground. He has released two albums.