Stars get ready for Mobo Awards

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Final preparations are under way for this year's Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards, with British soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae up for three prizes.

The 27-year-old is in the running for best UK female, best UK newcomer and best song for Put Your Records On.

She will also perform at the ceremony, which will be hosted by comedian Gina Yashere at the Royal Albert Hall.

Other artists on stage will include Lemar and Jamelia, and the show will be broadcast live on BBC Three.

Four new categories have been added this year - best UK female, best UK male, best international male and best international female.

London rap

US R&B star Beyonce is among the nominees in the latter category, facing competition from Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige and Nelly Furtado.

The former Destiny's Child singer is also up for three other awards, including best R&B act, best video and best song for her recent UK number one single Deja Vu.

London rapper Sway is nominated for best hip-hop artist - the category he won last year, beating the likes of 50 Cent, even though he had not released an album.

This year, he is up against fellow Londoners Kano and Akala as well as US stars Busta Rhymes and Kanye West.

Best group nominations went to Black Eyed Peas, Gnarls Barkley, OutKast, Pussycat Dolls and The Streets.

Lemar - who was the only act to win two awards at last year's ceremony - is nominated just once this year, in the best UK male category.

Highlights from Wednesday's ceremony will be shown on BBC One on Friday.