By Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Buju Banton and Ziggy Marley - File photos

Three Jamaican artistes now occupy the Best Reggae Album category for the 2007 Grammy Awards.

A list of 46 was short-listed and only the elite remain. Among them are, Buju Banton, who was nominated for Too Bad, Ziggy Marley, for Love is My Religion and Sly and Robbie for Rhythm Double. Matisyahu, the first Hasidic Jew reggae artiste, also earned a spot for Youth, which had made quite a buzz on the international scene late last year and UB40's Who You Fighting For rounded out the Best Reggae Album Category.

In an article carried by THE STAR on Wednesday, December 6, Buju said he did not expect the hype the song is now having, but welcomes the surprise.

Should Marley walk away with the award, it would mark his fourth Grammy win. Other outstanding Jamaican artistes who have won the best album include Peter Tosh, Shaggy, Jimmy Cliff, Beenie Man and Ziggy's younger brother, Damian who won the prestigious award in 2005.

"These nominations truly reflect a diverse and vibrant community of music makers and creators who represent some of the most remarkable music of the year," said Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, the governing body of the awards.

The 49th annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, U.S.A. on February 11, 2007.