Nominations for one of Britain’s most prestigious songwriting prizes, the Ivor Novello awards, were announced yesterday, with rapper Dizzee Rascal and pop songstress Lily Allen leading the pack.

Named after the Cardiff-born entertainer Ivor Novello, who died in 1951, the annual trophies recognise excellence in composition and songwriting, and are handed out by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).

Thanks to his hit album Tongue N’ Cheek, London MC Rascal (aka Dylan Kwabena Mills) has been recognised in several categories, including ‘best contemporary song’ and b’est album’. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Allen is also up for several categories, including ‘best song musically and lyrically’ and ‘most performed work’ for her track “The Fear”.

“The Ivors has always sought to reflect the ever-changing world of songwriting and composing,” said director of BASCA Mark Fishlock, who also revealed the inclusion of a new category: ‘best original video game score’. “The video games market has matured beyond recognition and big budget orchestral scores are regularly being commissioned.”

Some of the Ivor Novello nominees include:

Best Contemporary Song
“Bonkers” – songwriters Dylan Mills/Armand Van Helden; performed by Dizzee Rascal
“Daniel” – songwriter Natasha Khan; performed by Bat For Lashes
“In For The Kill” – songwriters Elly Jackson/Ben Langmaid; performed by La Roux

Best Song Musically & Lyrically
“Save It For Someone Who Cares” – songwriter Nick Hemming; performed by The Leisure Society
“The Fear” – songwriters Lily Allen/Greg Kurstin; performed by Lily Allen
“The Last Bus” – songwriters Ed Adlard/Will Adlard/Ali Digby/George Eddy; performed by Patch William

Album Award
The Duckworth Lewis Method – songwriters Neil Hannon/Thomas Walsh; performed by The Duckworth Lewis Method
Sunny Side Up – songwriter Paolo Nutini; performed by Paolo Nutini
Tongue N’ Cheek – songwriters Nicholas Detnon/Dylan Mills; performed by Dizzee Rascal

Most Performed Work
“Broken Strings” – writers James Morrison/Fraser T Smith/Nina Woodford; performed by James Morrison featuring Nelly Furtado
“The Fear” – writers Lily Allen/Greg Kurstin; performed by Lily Allen
“The Promise” –  writers Nick Coler/Miranda Cooper/Brian Higgins/Kieran Jones/Tim Powell/Jason Resch/Carla Williams; performed by Girls Aloud