LONDON: British pop stars Estelle and Leona Lewis have proven that they are not playing second fiddle to their US counterparts.

Estelle, 28, was named best UK female ahead of Duffy, Adele, Lewis and MIA as well as the best song for her hit ‘American Boy’.

‘American Boy’ clinched top position in the UK charts and was her first top ten hit in the US.

The awards are British in origin, but are voted for by the public and thus represent general listening trends.

“The Mobo is a great award, recognised by the kids and the people who understand my music, and who get the music that we do,” Estelle told BBC news.

Former winner of ‘The X Factor’, Lewis, 23 confirmed her growing star statues with awards for best album with her multi-million selling ‘Spirit’ and best video.

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

Other winners include Chipmunk, who was named best UK newcomer, and British saxophonist YolanDa Brown who won the best jazz category.

US winners were R&B heart-throb Chris Brown who was named best international act and best soul artist, and Lil’ Wayne, who won best hip-hop.

The lifetime achievement award was accepted by ‘The Supremes’ singer Mary Wilson on behalf of Detroit record label Motown, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year.

Wilson performed a medley of hits as well as a collaboration with girl group Sugababes.

Kanya King, founder of Mobo told the audience at Wembley Arena, “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.”

-CNA/jk