http://www.mercurymusicprize.com/2001/html/

In the precious years they've had (South) Asian musicians
nominated - Black Star Liner, Nitin Sawhney and last years
winner Talvin Singh, so this year it's Susheela Raman's
turn. I heard a couple of tracks off her debut album, Salt
rain, this morning and I rather like her voice. I'm not
sure if the style appeals to me, but that is my particular
taste, and not a criticism. The album includes songs in
Telagu, Tamil, Sanskrit and God's Own Language, with
influences similarly diverse - Southern Indian, folk, blues,
rock,... One of the tracks I heard was just her singing
in Tamil accompanied by acoustic guitar. Worth a listen.
Definitely

Of the other nominees, I partially heard a part of one track
by Gorillaz which I liked, I think, and that's it. I
guess I must watch more MTV :)

A.