Battle on for Mobo Awards

LONDON, UK (AP) - The best black artists and groups will be honoured on Thursday evening at the annual Music Of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards.

Craig David, fresh from his performance at New York's John Lennon tribute concert, has three nominations and is hoping to match his hat-trick last year.

But the 20-year-old faces stiff competition from the likes of Destiny's Child, Outkast and Missy Elliott who are just some of those also in the running for three or more awards.

Craig David won three Mobo awards last year

A host of stars from the music world are expected at the show, which has grown enormously since it began in 1996.

'Fun'

The ceremony takes place at the London Arena, hosted by American singer Kelis and BBC Radio 1 DJ Trevor Nelson.

"I think it's a really positive awards ceremony, and it should be a lot of fun," Kelis said at the launch.

Last year Southampton-based Craig David won best single, best R&B act and best UK newcomer, having been nominated for a record six awards.

This year he features in the best R&B act, best UK act and best album categories.

US singer Kelis will present the awards

Usher and Oxide & Neutrino are other artists hoping to scoop three or more awards.

And Garage act So Solid Crew are nominated in a trio of categories.

Lifetime achievement

The band is up for best UK garage act, best UK act and best newcomer.

US soul singer Luther Vandross will be given a lifetime achievement award.

So Solid Crew went to number one in August

And producer and performer R Kelly will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to the genre.

Nominees for the awards are chosen by a panel of experts but winners of 15 of the 18 categories will be voted for by music fans.