Lemar: Awards are good for the ego

Lemar has admitted that winning awards gives his ego a good massage.

The singer, who has won two Brit Awards, added it was humbling to be recognised for his work.

Speaking at the launch of the Mobo awards in Glasgow, he said: "It's nice for the ego. But apart from the ego part of it, it's nice to be recognised by your peers and by the fans for what you do."

He continued: "That whole appreciation thing is a nice thing and obviously certain awards, like the Mobos, I've won a few of them, a couple of Brits as well, they help your public presence as well, so it's all good."

With success and awards come screaming girls and Lemar said he's not short of a few groupies but wouldn't share any secrets.

"Over the years I've had a few strange things, maybe stuff I won't mention," he said. "Like they say, what goes on tour, stays on tour. That's for the tour closet."

He also said he doesn't let the attention turn his head: "You take it with a pinch of salt, it's entertainment. You're playing a role, you're telling stories."

His most recent tour features a far more low-key set than previous outings and the singer revealed he likes to mix things up.

"I just think it's important for every artist to keep evolving, at no stage do I want to replicate exactly what I've done before, musically, lyrically and on the stage," he said. "The more I can push the boundaries in my mind, the more exciting it will be for me and hopefully the person that's listening."