SINGING sensation Craig David is today at the centre of a race row in the USA - over his white guitarist.

And the Southampton DJ who introduced him to the music scene has hit back at American radio executives who told Craig he should replace his white guitarist with a black one.

DJ Flash, who acted as Craig's mentor when he began MC-ing in Southampton clubs at the age of 14, said: "It's the music people are listening to. The colour of the guitarist isn't important."

Speaking on national radio this week, Southampton superstar Craig said American radio stations with predominantly black audiences had advised him to swap his white guitarist, Fraser T Smith, for a black one in order to increase his sales.

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter, who grew up on the city's Holyrood estate, told Radio 5 Live: "It shouldn't matter what colour or creed you are. They can lump it or leave it."

Craig - the son of a half-Jewish white mother and black father from Grenada - has already proved a major hit in America, where he spent more than a year on the road promoting his first album.

Defending Craig's comments, DJ Flash - real name Neal Gordon - told the Daily Echo: "I think he's made the right decision, because the colour of the guitarist shouldn't really affect music sales. They were definitely out of order telling him that.

"Craig's music is really for everyone. He speaks to everyone, black and white. His appeal is worldwide - he's even got a latino track on his new album."

The 31-year-old has been DJ-ing in Southampton since 1994 and acted as Craig's minder when the talented teenager started performing in Southampton clubs.

"I think Craig's attitude is ahead of his time," said Flash.

"His music is not about colour, it's about bringing everyone together, no matter what colour they are.

"All he wants to do is concentrate on his music."

Craig is currently busy promoting his second album, Slicker Than Your Average, which was released on Monday.

He leapt to fame with the single Re-Rewind when he was just 19.

His first album, Born To Do It, spawned further hits - including Walking Away, Fill Me In and 7 Days - and became a huge commercial and critical hit.

The new album, much of which was written while Craig was on the road, features a guest appearance by Sting.

Last week, Craig was the subject of an edition of ITV arts programme The South Bank Show.