ESTELLE - ESTELLE LEADING PACK FOR 2008 MOBOS WITH FIVE NOMINATIONS

ESTELLE LEADING PACK FOR 2008 MOBOS WITH FIVE NOMINATIONS

Estelle has been nominated for five prizes at this year's Music of Black Origin (Mobo) awards.

Though she missed out on a Mercury Music prize to eventual winners Elbow, the R 'n' B star's Shine is nominated for the best album prize at the 2008 Mobos.

Her smash hit American Boy is up for the best song and best video prizes while the 28-year-old is also included in the best UK female and best R 'n' B/soul categories.

Kanya King, Mobo chief executive, said: "Hip-hop and R 'n' B have emerged as popular music, not just genres beloved by a minority, and British artists are at the forefront.

"It's fantastic to see artists like Estelle, who Mobo championed early on, get their due.

"I'd like to call on the music industry to keep up the good work and capitalise on this. There are still barriers out there. Estelle had to go to America to really break through and be given her big chance.

"The talent is undoubtedly here, let's get behind them."

X Factor winner Leona Lewis is up for three awards - best UK female, best video and best album - while Duffy, Adele and M.I.A. are also in the running for the best UK female gong.

Dizzee Rascal has the chance to win his second Mobo award in two years, with the Dance Wiv Me star in the running for the best male award along with Jay Sean, Sway, Taio Cruz and Wiley.

The 2008 Mobo awards are to be held at London's Wembley Arena on October 15th and will be hosted be Spice Girl Mel B.