David sweeps Mobo nominations

Craig David: 'Happy just to have been nominated'

Teenage pop star Craig David has received six Music of Black Origin Award nominations, a week after his debut album took the top spot in the UK charts.

The 19-year-old singer earned the highest number of proposals for one artist in the five-year history of the event.

David, who said he was "blown away" by the news, received nominations for his first solo number one single Fill Me In, and for his collaboration with the production team Artful Dodger - Women Trouble.

The star, who started DJing at the age of 14, is also in the running for best R&B act, best UK newcomer, best UK garage act (again with Artful Dodger) and best video for Seven Days.

Flattered

Speaking from Germany, where he is promoting his album Born To Do It, David said: "I can't believe it. This whole year has been exceptional.

Gabrielle has been named in the best single, video and album categories

"It's so flattering that people are into me. If I go there and don't win anything I'm happy to have just been nominated."

Mobo was founded in 1995 by jazz and soul singer Kanya King, who wanted to see an award ceremony for black-inspired genres that would be the equal of the Brit Awards.

The nominations, chosen by 1,000 music industry professionals, were announced in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The awards will be presented at London's Alexandra Palace on 4 October, following voting by members of the public.

Other nominees

Artful Dodger have four nominations apiece, as do R&B singer Jamelia and garage star MJ Cole.

Cole and Artful Dodger compete for the best producer and best UK newcomer awards; Jamelia's nominations include best video, best album for Drama, and best UK single for Money.

Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour is nominated for the World Music Act award

In the hip-hop category, rapper Eminem and the controversial Dr Dre slug it out, while Buju Banton (reggae), George Benson (jazz), and Gabrielle - for her hugely successful album Rise - also get a mention.

African musicians Youssou N'Dour and Femi Kuti are nominated for the World Music award, alongside the UK's Peter Gabriel and US guitar legend Santana, with reggae legends Aswad picking up the Mobo Outstanding Contribution to Music Award.

Craig David is also lined up to perform at the event - which will be televised by Channel 4 - along with Sade, Gabrielle and US stars Sisqo and Donell Jones.

As part of this year's Unsigned Act Award, entrants will compete in heats at several venues across the UK, including London, Leeds and Dublin.