THE category Deejay of the Year (male) is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated at this year’s Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards set for this Saturday at Devon House in St Andrew.

This well-contested category will reward the best male vocal performer in the local popular music genre who has had the greatest overall impact as a solo vocal performer.

Heading the list of nominees in high-riding deejay Vybz Kartel whose slew of hits in 2010 puts him as the front-runner in this category. His PR antics aside, Kartel further cemented his status in the dancehall with tracks such as Clarks, Dumper Truck, Straight Jeans and Fitted, Like Christmas and of course, the popular Cake Soap.

The self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man is not one to be ruled out in this category. Always a crowd-pleaser, the deejay whose real name is Moses Davis, maintained his presence in dancehall with the mega hit Rum and Red Bull featuring Future Fambo, last year. That hit coupled with his usual entertaining live performances kept him in the spotlight.

It was another Cross, Angry, Miserable year, but deejay Bounty Killer survived and made it to the list of nominees for Deejay of the Year. His major hit Stronger, with long-time foe-turned-friend, Baby Cham, was just what with dancehall needed.

Assassin, AKA Agent Sasco, was one of those deejays who could be counted on for strong performances and singles during the year under review. His track with Richie Stephens, Heart of Love, was one his memorable tracks this year.

Aidonia is a young deejay who continues to build a reputable career. A favourite with the hardcore dancehall fans, Aidonia showed his softer side in 2010 with the track My Heart is Yours, a duet with singer Aisha Davis. A great set at last year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, added to his credits for the past year.

Busy Signal got off to a slow start in 2010 after enjoying success in 2009. However, he picked up in the year with tracks such as Indian Gyal and Imma Be.