Tinie Tempah sets the bar in Brit Award nominations

A South London rapper has led the way in this year's Brit Award nominations, which also saw veteran rocker Robert Plant nominated for the first time in the awards' 34-year history.

Tinie Tempah, whose real name is Patrick Okogwu, picked up nominations in the British Male Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Single and British Album of the Year categories. Plant was also nominated for British Male Solo Artist alongside the 22-year-old, who grew up in Plumstead, southeast London.

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The nominees were unveiled last night at a ceremony at the Indigo O2 nightclub at London's O2 Arena featuring performances from Ellie Goulding and Jessie J. Goulding was nominated as Best Female Solo Artist, while Jessie J has won this year's Critics' Choice Award – for new acts that critics and industry experts tip for mainstream success in the forthcoming year – which was announced late last year.

The awards, to be hosted by comedian James Corden, will take place at London's O2 Arena on 15 February. Fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood has designed a new version of the Brit Award statue for this year's ceremony.

Mark Ronson, Paul Weller and Plan B will all compete alongside Tinie Tempah and Robert Plant to be Best Male Solo Artist. Cheryl Cole, Laura Marling, Paloma Faith and Rumer have joined Goulding on the Best Female Solo Artist shortlist. The nominees for Best British Group are Biffy Clyro, Gorillaz, Mumford & Sons, Take That and The xx.