FIVE years ago, Michael Kiwanuka performed in Newcastle for the first time with an intimate show at The Cluny as he took his first tentative steps on a solo career that has since seen him achieve a Number 1 album and a gold disc in the process.

At the weekend, he was back to the region as part of his first UK tour since 2013 that has seen every single venue sold out within moments of the tickets going on sale. It's been quite a rise for Kiwanuka from those early humble beginnings but on hearing show opener Cold Little Heart it becomes perfectly clear why he being hailed as the new star of classic Soul.

Drawing on the influences of the likes of Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, Kiwanuka has a voice of shimmering beauty. A voice so beautiful and pure it touches the soul. Many artists today seem to overdo their vocals, warbling ten notes when one will do. Kiwanuka is from the old school of less is more where each and every note means something. Falling and I`ll Never Love resonate with emotion as Kiwanuka's voice soothes and caresses while the up-tempo clap-a-long Black Man In A White World is almost Gospel in its delivery.

An impressive eight-piece band created the perfect platform for Kiwanuka to shine in particular on Tell Me A Tale where the stunning three part backing harmonies sent a shiver down the spine.

Not only is he blessed with a golden voice but Kiwanuka is pretty handy on the guitar too. For most of the time it was subtle melodies or soothing slide work but when he let rip on Rule The World he showed an altogether more edgy side to his playing.

Closing with Love and Hate had the audience on their feet as the deep groove and soothing vocals brought the show to a climatic end as Kiwanuka cemented his growing reputation as the most exciting Soul singer the UK has produced in a generation.

Mick Burgess