Suffolk-born Nate James needs to buy his fairy godmother a big gift. Signed to One Two Records (home of the Brand New Heavies), he's been hailed as the 'next big thing' on the R'n'B/soul scene and he's up for two awards at this year's MOBOs: Best R&B Act and Best UK Newcomer. But is the hype well deserved?

The Message (single number three from James' debut album Set The Tone) is a funky, upbeat affair with a catchy chorus. It is, however, incredibly evocative of both Stevie Wonder (who gets a mention) and Jamiroquai (indeed such is the similarity you'd be forgiven for thinking it was the-king-of-crazy-hats Jay Kay himself).

And here lies both James' failing and potential popularity: Being reminiscent of well-known and loved artists, he is no doubt onto a winning (though unoriginal) formula. Only time (and a possible MOBO) will tell.