HE'S at it again. In every interview and every concert, Craig David plugs Southampton and the south coast with the fervour of a two-step Billy Graham.

Last night's gig was no exception, as the home-grown soul sensation welcomed old mates in the crowd and reminisced about his days DJing at Bournemouth's Cage and Zoo night club.

In any other artist, the constant tribute-paying would be irritating. Craig, though, because you know he means it, has made an endearing habit of it - one of many that help set him apart from his contemporaries. Before last night, I quite liked his voice, but that was about it. Given half the chance now, I would kiss his trainers. Hearing him sing them live makes you realise how good the songs are.

He is such a confident performer too, exercising a hypnotic control over the audience as he half slithers, half struts his way across the stage.

As smooth and sexy as Timberlake, it's his eagerness and sincerity that really make you warm to him. His lengthy explanation about how his latest single, World Filled With Love, was inspired by September 11 was moving rather than cringe-making.

A great entertainer and a lovely bloke to boot. So come on, Southampton City Council - where's the statue?