A SWINDON rapper could be on course trounce some of the biggest names in hip-hop.

Former Honda worker Paul Dowman is up for the title of Best Grime Act at the Urban Music Awards later this month.

If he wins, the Haydon Wick dad-of-one will beat some of music’s hottest names – including grime mega-star Stormzy.

Paul, 28, who performs under his stage name Grim Sickers, said: “It was a surprise. The UMAs are a prestigious award in my scene. It means a lot.

“I think Stormzy is the clear favourite, but I’m happy to be nominated.”

Now in its 15th year, the Urban Music Awards see acts nominated and voted upon by fans.

This year the competition is especially intense, as the previously UK-only awards have been opened up to acts from across the globe.

Paul puts his nomination success down to his break-through year, which has seen him release two major singles: Kane and Open the Till.

The latter, which saw him collaborate with The Streets star Mike Skinner, has already had almost 175,000 plays on music streaming service Spotify.

“I’ve been one of the best MCs this year,” said Paul.

A former Honda worker, Paul started making music as a 19-year-old “raving” at the Brunel Rooms.

He was ready to give it up a few years ago – but dad Wayne convinced him to keep going.

“You’ve got to keep going and keep your head,” said Paul. “You never know what’s on the other side of the door.”

Paul will hear whether or not he is successful at a glitzy awards bash in London on November 30.

The prestigious awards command huge respect in the music world.

Global hip hop star Jay-Z said: "The Urban Music Awards was the first awards ceremony that said hey you the music fans you tell us what is popular not some academy of judges”

To vote for Grim Sickers for Best Grime Act, visit: www.urbanmusicawards.co.