Lemar hopes for a big win

Singer Lemar is hoping to be the big winner at the Mobo Awards.

The former Fame Academy star has five nominations - UK act of the year, best album, best single, best video and best R&B. US singer-songwriter John Legend is up for three awards while Mariah Carey and Snoop Dogg have two nominations each.

The awards, which honour music of black origin, take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London tonight. Comic Gina Yashere will host the event with hip-hop star Akon.

Lauryn Hill, Ms Dynamite, Damian Marley and Public Enemy will be among the performers. There will also be a special tribute to Luther Vandross, who died in July.

The Mobos are now in their 10th year. Last year they were dogged by protests about nominations for the artists Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel, known for their homophobic lyrics.

Organisers withdrew their nominations after an outcry from gay rights campaigners.

This year the focus is on celebrating British talent.

Joss Stone is competing with Lemar for UK act of the year, alongside Estelle, Kano and Roll Deep.

Jamelia was the big winner of 2004 with three awards, but this time around she has no nominations.

A new award for best African act has been introduced with the voting taking place in Africa itself. Nominees include Youssou N'Dour and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.