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Monday, January 16, 2017 5:37am ET by  
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Musicians praise diversity of 2017 Brit Awards nominations

A number of musicians have spoken out in praise of the diversity of this year's Brit Awards nominations following criticism in 2016.

The awards changed the make-up of its judging panel last year to make it more representative after only four out of 48 nominees were from ethnic minorities. This year, however, there are over 20 nominations for BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) artists.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Michael Kiwanuka - who is up for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Album of the Year - said: "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, who is nominated for Best British Female Solo Artist, added: "I didn't think I would be nominated, if I did I thought it would be for Best Newcomer. It's very surreal.

"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."

This year's Brit Awards will take place at London's O2 Arena on February 22, with Michael Bublé scheduled to host the event.

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Watch some of this year's nominees in action below:

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