Wexford-raised singer Sabre shortlisted for Brit

London/Wexford artist Maverick Sabre is among three acts shortlisted for the critics’ choice title at the Brit Awards.

Sabre - real name Michael Stafford - was born in Hackney but raised in New Ross.

He joins up-and-coming acts Emeli Sande and Michael Kiwanuka on the shortlist of three for the presitigious gong.

The three acts in the running were announced today, with the winner announced next Thursday.

The awards take place on February 12 at the O2 Arena in south east London.

Sabre started out as a rapper before developing his retro-soul sound, while soul singer Kiwanuka supported Adele on her UK and Europe tour earlier this year.

Sande, from Aberdeen, has written songs for acts including Susan Boyle and Tinie Tempah and saw her debut solo single, 'Heaven', enter the UK charts at number two.

Jessie J won the award last year and other recent winners include Florence And The Machine and Ellie Goulding.

It was announced earlier this week that Blur will be honoured at next year’s ceremony for their outstanding contribution to music.

That announcement fuelled speculation the band will reform once more to perform at the event – officially called The Brit Awards 2012 with MasterCard – as the winner usually plays a selection of hits.

The rest of the nominations will be announced on January 12 at the Savoy Hotel in London.