GEORGE THE Poet has been shortlisted for the Brit Award which helped launch the careers of Emeli Sande and Adele.
The 23-year-old wordsmith is up against, James Bay and three-piece group Years and Years for the honour.
George the Poet, real name George Mpanga, said: "I feel privileged to have been shortlisted for the Brits Critics' Choice Award.
"I always dreamed of reaching people and this nomination shows me that I'm on track."
The wordsmith tweeted: "Thank you to @BRITAwards for nominating me for the #BRITs2015 Critics Choice."
A recording artist, spoken word performer and public speaker, Mpanga was born and raised on the Stonebridge Park estate in Harlesden, northwest London.
Last year he told Young Voices editor, Dionne Grant: "My poetry came from rap. It became poetry only when I wanted to communicate better with the audience.”
The award is chosen by the music editors of national newspapers, key music and lifestyle magazines and music websites plus the heads of music at major radio and music TV stations.
The Critics Choice winner will be announced on December 4 and will receive their trophy, designed by Tracey Emin, at the main Brit awards ceremony on February 25.
Previous Critics' Choice winners include Emeli Sande, Jessie J, Sam Smith and Adele, who won the first award in 2008.