Hailing from the sand dunes and vast horizons of Western Sahara, singer-songwriter Peppercorn is an artist of rare quality.

Her African roots and London childhood have shaped her into an international figure, whose music embraces elements of both cultures while paying homage to pop and folk-rock.

Tomorrow she plays the Apollo, supporting Darius. If past performances are anything to go by, the former Popstars hero could find himself eclipsed.

Her debut album, Barefoot, reveals her awesome talent, and includes the rather good first single Hyperventilating, which will be released early next month.

Peppercorn is a serious artist, whose catchy, emotionally-drenched songs have more in common with Alanis Morissette than the loser of a TV pop karaoke show.

She will be huge, and deserves to be headlining her own show.

Tickets are £18.50. Call Ticketmaster on 0870 606 3500.