Candidates for the so-called Fryderyki, Poland's answer to the Grammys, have been announced, with Monika Brodka receiving nine nominations in various categories.

Founded in 1999, the awards take their name from arch Polish Romantic Fryderyk Chopin.

Dominating the pop field this year is 24 year-old singer Brodka, whose recent hit album Granda has triggered some nine nominations.

Monika Brodka caught the public's imagination when she won the 2004 Polish version of the Pop Idol reality show.

Other favourites include the genre-defying Czeslaw Mozil, who notched up 7 nominations, as well as Acid Drinkers, Raz Dwa Trzy and Waglewski, all of whom secured 6 apiece.

Besides covering everything from hip hop to metal, the Fryderyki also honour jazz and classical talent. New recordings of Chopin, Szymanowski and Moniuszko are in the running for awards, likewise the creations of contemporary composers such as Wojciech Kilar and Marian Borkowski.

The winged statuettes are due to handed out in April. Meanwhile, a full list of the nominations can be found here. (nh)