British talent leads the field in the 2008 MOBO Award nominations, with Estelle, Dizzee Rascal, Leona Lewis and Wiley all earning multiple nods.
Estelle is up for five awards, including best song and best video for “American Boy” (Atlantic) and best album for “Shine” (Atlantic), while Rascal, Lewis and Wiley are all nominated for three. Usher and Lil’ Wayne lead the American pack with three nominations apiece.
The 13th annual awards, which honor music of black origin, will be held at London’s Wembley Arena Oct. 15 and be broadcast live on digital TV network BBC3. The event will be co-hosted by Spice Girl Mel B and Run DMC founding member Rev Run.
“I am really excited to be returning as host to this year’s awards ceremony,” said Mel B in a statement. “I have witnessed the rise of Estelle and Leona Lewis in the U.S., and 2008 has been an incredible year for music of black origin on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“It’s fantastic to see artists like Estelle, who MOBO championed early on, get their due,” said MOBO CEO, Kanya King in a statement. “I’d like to call on the music industry to keep up the good work and capitalize on this. 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.”
Voting is now open to the U.K. public via the MOBOs’ official Web site.
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