Samm Henshaw

For fans of: D’Angelo, Paulo Nutini, James Bay

IT is amazing what a well-connected friend can do for you.

Samm Henshaw rose to prominence at the end of last year thanks to James Bay. He was handpicked to support the singer-songwriter on his full UK tour.

The 22-year-old has not looked back since

Samm was raised by his Nigerian parents in South London and found his love for music in a church pastored by his father.

Inspired by gospel greats like Helen Baylor, Fred Hammond and Alvin Slaughter and pop legends like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, he created his own vocal style.

- Samm Henshaw performs at the Deaf Institute in Manchester on May 28