JAMAICAN dancehall acts yesterday won a major victory over British gay activists seeking to prevent them from participating in the annual MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards in London, when two of the artistes on the gays’ list – Elephant Man and Vybz Cartel – were nominated for the award.

Elephant Man, Vybz Cartel, Sean Paul and Toots and the Maytals were named as nominees for the Best Reggae single award, which normally goes to the leading reggae act on the British scene.

This was a major setback for British gay rights group OutRage who has targeted eight Jamaican dancehall acts for allegedly stirring up homophobia. The eight are Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Cartel, Capleton, TOK and Sizzla.

The group has accused the artistes of using lyrics that “encourage and glorify” the murder of gay people.

The awards show is scheduled for September 30 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It will be broadcast on BBC TV and radio.