Estelle and Lewis scoop Mobo Awards

Superstars Estelle and Leona Lewis won two gongs each at tonight’s Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards.

Wed, 15 Oct, 2008 - 23:16

Superstars Estelle and Leona Lewis won two gongs each at tonight’s Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards.

Estelle beat Lewis to scoop Best UK Female and also took home Best Song for 'American Boy', on a night that saw British artists triumph.

28-year-old singer Estelle had been nominated for five awards, which also included Best Album, R&B/Soul and Video.

Lewis, 23, picked up Best Album for the multi million-selling 'Spirit' at the star-studded awards ceremony as well as Best Video for Bleeding Love.

She became the first British woman to reach number one in the US singles charts for more than 20 years.

The ceremony was hosted by former Spice Girl Mel B and Rev Run at London’s Wembley Arena.

Rap star Dizzee Rascal was voted Best UK Male for the second year running.

Estelle and her US label boss John Legend completed the celebrations with a duet of new Legend track No Other Love.

Grime MC Chipmunk, 18, was crowned Best UK Newcomer and British saxophonist YolanDa Brown received the prize in the Best Jazz category.

American superstars were also honoured with Chris Brown, described as the “new Michael Jackson” named as Best International Act and Best R&B/Soul.

Former Supreme Mary Wilson collected a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Motown to start the 50th anniversary celebrations of the record label that provided the soundtrack for an American generation.

Sugababes sang Supremes classic 'Stop! In The Name of Love' with Wilson before leaving the stage to her to belt out 'Can’t Hurry Love', 'Come See About Me' and 'Back In My Arms'.

Organisers said the 13th Mobo Awards followed one of the highest public votes ever.

Kanya King, founder and CEO of Mobo, said: “The Mobo Awards have continued to grow in strength for the past 13 years and I’m particularly delighted that British talent through artists such as Estelle and Leona receive the recognition they justly deserve.

“I hope that we can inspire a new generation of talent to follow their lead and fulfil their dreams to one day appear on our show.”

The BeMobo Award, which honours an individual or organisation making a difference in the community was handed to 26-year-old Ricky McCalla.

Mr McCalla, a former dancer and choreographer for pop acts, who had performed at the Mobo Awards three times, was shot in the back of the neck during a carjacking, organisers said.

He was forced to give up his career but mentors youngsters in south London away from crime and into music.

Mr McCalla has helped an estimated 300 people through his Frosted Ice organisation and the award highlighted the need for additional funds to carry on his work.

The night’s entertainment also saw Taio Cruz’s 'She’s Like A Star' mixed into Sugababes’ version of Girls.

Estelle went solo for a medley of her hits before Flo Rida brought the house down with his track 'Low'.

Guests were also treated to a surprise appearance from Craig David with Tynchy Stryder.

Here are the winners at this year’s Mobo Awards:

:: Best UK Female

Estelle

:: Best UK Male

Dizzee Rascal

:: Best UK Newcomer

Chipmunk

:: Best International Act

Chris Brown