London, Jan 7 (ANI): Michael Kiwanuka has topped BBC's sound of 2012 list, which aims to showcase the best rising music stars for the year ahead.
With a voice that has won comparisons to Bill Withers, the 24-year-old soul singer has already supported Adele on tour.
The Sound of 2012 list was compiled using tips from 184 key UK-based music critics, broadcasters and bloggers.
Now in its tenth year, previous winners include Jessie J, Adele, Mika, Ellie Goulding, Corinne Bailey Rae and Keane.
Kiwanuka, from London, cites influences ranging from Otis Redding and Bob Dylan to Miles Davis.
He started out as a session guitarist, working with Tinie Tempah's producer Labrinth, before stepping in front of the microphone and signing to the Communion label, which was set up by Mumford and Sons' Ben Lovett.
"I never expected to be recognised in this way," the BBC quoted him as saying.
"It's a great surprise and it means a lot that people are accepting the music they've heard so far, and it will bring the music to many more people, which for any musician is a great privilege," he said.
Kiwanuka came ahead of US R and B singer Frank Ocean, who has worked with Kanye West and Jay-Z and was at number two on the list.
New York rapper Azealia Banks was in third place, followed by high-octane dance DJ and producer Skrillex at four and Swedish electronic duo Niki and The Dove rounded off the top five.
The top 5 acts for 2012 were:
Michael Kiwanuka
Frank Ocean
Azealia Banks
Skrillex
Niki and The Dove (ANI)
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