Since his last Brighton performance at Together The People Festival this legendary artist released an album Bleeds which rightfully figured in many critics top 20 of the year.

It further strengthened his reputation for creating both meaningful and challenging art. A former Mercury nominee and collaborator with Gorillaz; Roots Manuva's influence can be heard deep-rooted in the sound of upcoming grime and hip-hop artists the length and breadth of this isle.

So it was depressing that his performance on Monday night will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

With a tight musical band behind him, he stumbled and slurred his way through a 30-minute long set of rhythm-propelled songs that leaned heavily on material from his most recent effort.

Songs such as the fidgety Facety 2:1 and the groove heavy One Thing were ultimately a set that never fully got going. Near the culmination of the brief set he reminded us that it was near 20 years ago that he first performed in our fair city.

Though the crowd pleasing closer Witness The Fitness, with its squelchy reverberating bassline, ensured the night ended on a happy note, many will have left hoping the performance was a one-off blip.

Two stars