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Emeli Sande was the big winner at the 17th annual Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards in Liverpool last night (3 November).

The singer picked up three at the ceremony held at the city's Echo arena.

"This is my third time at the Mobos. So to come back and win shows the progression," she said.

The 25-year-old also went home with the best album prize for her debut project Our Version of Events.

Sande was also named best female and best R&B/soul act.

"I really wanted to win best album. Getting that, it means the work you're making people are acknowledging as important."

Credibility

Hosted by Bafta award winning actor Adam Deacon there were also performances from Wiley, Connor Maynard and Angel.

Rita Ora was named best newcomer while rapper Nicki Minaj was voted best international act.

Although now in its 17th year the award show has often been criticised in the past.

Nominees, particularly from overseas, often fail to show up to collect their awards.

But Plan B, who won best male and best hip hop says the awards are important.

"I think anything that brings attention to what us artists are doing is a good thing," he said

"Because we know urban music does get ignored. So it's nice to come and get recognised for the music I made my name doing."