The nominees for the Emma award for the best multicultural comic have been announced.

They are 3 Non Blondes, Lenny Henry, Meera Syal and Asian stand-ups Inder Manocha and Russell Peters.

It's the second time running that Syal has been shortlisted for the award.

And a spokesman for Manocha said: "Inder is the only pure stand up in the category and this nomination recognises his outstanding achievements during the last year."

Comedy is just one of 19 categories in the awards, to be handed out at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on May 24 after a public vote.

The shortlist is compiled by a panel of judges from suggestions submitted by 'media professionals'.

The seventh Emma awards, which are sponsored by NatWest, will be screened on BBC2 on Sunday May 30.

Half-Filipino, half-German ukulele-playing stand-up Ria Lina won last year's comedy category.

To vote, visit www.emma.tv.