Brit Awards praised for diversity after last year’s ‘#BritsSoWhite’ backlash

The Brit Awards have been praised for their diverse nominations this year following last year’s ‘#BritsSoWhite’ backlash.

A number of this year’s nominees, including Michael Kiwanuka, Craig David and Nao, have spoken out in support of the forthcoming awards after this year’s voting panel was overhauled.

While the 2016 panel was mainly made up of white male voters, this year it consists of 52% men and 48% women while 17% are ethnic minority members.

Grime artists including Skepta, Kano, Stormzy have all been nominated for awards this year while stars including Emeli Sande, Lianne La Havas and Nao are up for Best Female.

Transgender singer Anohni has also been nominated for Best British Female, 11 years after she was nominated in the Best British Male category.

At the 2016 awards, just four of the 48 artists nominated were from ethnic minorities, prompting an immediate backlash on social media.

Kiwanuka , who is nominated for Best Male, told Newsbeat: “This is a dream come true and the increase in diversity is a great thing.

“The importance of diversity is that’s what music is. It shows you another view point of how you think in your head and it makes you see the world differently.

“It’s not just about the colour of your skin, but it’s part of it.”

Nao said: “The one thing about Britain is how amazingly diverse it is. We are all in this melting pot together.

“Music is made by everyone and it’s for everyone. Put all of us on the stage, black, white, fat, skinny, whatever.”

David, who is also up for Best Male, added: “I’m really excited about the other people in the category. There have been some big albums from people this year, for example Skepta has had an incredible year.”

The 2017 Brit Awards will be take place at the O2 on February 22.