Jamelia wins at urban music show

The ceremony's organisers also provide help to aspiring artists

Chart-topper Jamelia has been named best R&B act at the Urban Music Awards.

The 24-year-old, who gave birth to her second child last month, scooped the prize at the London event for UK-based artists for her album Thank You.

Top nominee Lethal B won best garage artist for Against All Odds and Raghav beat off competition from Amy Winehouse and The Streets to take best chart act.

M People's Heather Small was honoured for her lifetime's work and Craig David won the outstanding achievement trophy.

'Quality first'

Craig David said the ceremony reflected a "vibrant" British urban music movement.

"It's cool to be part of it, it's lovely to be part of something that I've very much come out of - the whole urban scene," he told the BBC News website.

Heather Small said it was "surprising" and "flattering" that she had been asked to close the show.

"If you put your best foot forward and always think quality first - whatever genre of music - quality first, heart first, I think that it will be accepted," she said.

The award for best album went to Roll Deep for In At the Deep End, Skinny Man was named best hip-hop act for I'll Be Surprised, and Mobo-winner Sway Desafo took best newcomer for Flo Fashion.

Grassroots support

The Urban Music Awards, which are decided by a public vote, are now in their third year.

The growth of the Urban Music Awards has been incredible UMA founder Jordan Kensington

The UMA's academy, which comprises musicians, DJs, journalists and producers, provides support to aspiring artists during the year.

"The growth of the Urban Music Awards has been incredible," said UMA founder Jordan Kensington. "We have pioneered grassroots support for 100% UK artists.

"For 2005 we have managed to successfully include the backstage sector of the urban industry that usually remains unrecognised."

There was also recognition for Maxi Priest for reggae act and Roni Size for drum and bass act, while Courtney Pine took the jazz category.

BBC Radio 1's Ras Kwame was voted best DJ and publisher Marcus Miller best entrepreneur.