A FEW tracks in and it is already apparent that this is going to be a memorable Winchester night as Obar Ejimiwe, better known as Ghostpoet, is displaying Mercury Prize nominee skills on the stage in the lively town centre venue.

Ghostpoet strips away any preconceived styles, dodges pigeon holes and creates the sound that he wants. More spoken-word than rap, more moody underground than hip-hop pop, the set weaves and winds before tensions are relieved with big drops.

Between the swooping loops and charm of the front man, there is a band who are more than just a back up. Drums, guitar, bass and keyboard are brought into this equation to compliment the unusual sight of effects peddles for vocals.

Meltdown, taken from the latest album Some Say I So I Say Light, is a hit. As are earlier releases Cash And Carry Me Home and Survive It. Lyrics flow with a witty take on observations of life while the sounds add to the atmosphere of the act.

Ghostpoet’s first appearance in Bournemouth has the whole crowd moving just as he anticipated. This has been the biggest name at a Freeway Poets night at The Winchester by far. Let us remember this as the first of many more to come.