Amy Winehouse

Troubled British soul singer Amy Winehouse won a top prize at the annual Music of Black Origin (MOBO) awards in London. Winehouse was crowned best UK female at the awards show that celebrates black music, such as soul, hip hop and reggae, performed by artists from any background. The London bread, who canceled a string of concerts in recent months due to repeated health problems, was nominated for four MOBOs, including best R&B act, best video and best song for “Rehab.” She beat Beverley Knight, Jamelia, Corinne Bailey Rae and Joss Stone to win the best UK female prize. The night’s biggest winners were rapper Kanye West and R&B star Ne-Yo, who picked up two awards each. West, riding high in Britain after beating fellow rapper 50 Cent to claim the top spot in the UK album chart on Sunday, won the best hip hop act prize and best video award for “Stronger.” Ne-Yo claimed the best song award for his worldwide hit “Because of You.” He was also named best R&B act. Among the other winners was R&B singer Rihanna, who spent 10 weeks at number one on the UK singles chart with “Umbrella.”