BRIT Award winner Lemar has announced that he is coming to Bournemouth.

The Fame Academy star, who won Best Urban Act at the recent Brits ceremony, will be performing at Bournemouth International Centre in May.

Although Lemar didn't win Fame Academy, BBC1's reality music show, when he took part in the first series, his career has gone from strength to strength, eclipsing those of the contestants who actually beat him on the show.

While he was taking part in Fame Academy Lemar's talents impressed Lionel Ritchie and Beverley Knight when he performed duets with both of them.

His first single Dance (with U) was a big hit - entering the charts at number two - and sales from his debut album, Dedicated, have been steadily rising since it was released in November.

It's a massive turn around for Lemar Obika. Just two years ago he had all but given up on his dream of becoming a singer.

He had secured what promised to be a lucrative deal with a major record label but before he had even got a record out his contract was cancelled as a result of internal changes at the label.

Although he had spent seven years building his reputation on the London R&B scene, playing alongside the likes of Usher and Destiny's Child while he was at it, he found himself having to return to his day job as an accounts manager at NatWest Bank.

Luckily he saw an advert on television for Fame Academy and the rest is musical history.

Lemar will be at the Bournemouth International Centre on Sunday, May 30. Tickets are £18.50. For more information call the box office on 0870 1113000.