I Luv Live is the UK’s number one home-grown live music event and since I hadn’t been to this weekly gig for nine months, I was surprised at what the night had in store.

Firstly, the brand had moved home from Proud in Camden to The Queen in Hoxton. This venue adds more class than its predecessor although the floor space is significantly reduced and the drinks are more expensive.

The general premise of the night is that six to eight up and coming urban artists perform and we show support for UK talent.

I Luv Live have a huge affinity with the urban music scene. Its hosts are BBC Radio 1xtra DJ’s Ras Kwame and Twin B, and 99 percent of the performers are either rnb singers or mc’s... or at least they used to be.

This is the only negative I have with regards the night. Its identity has become confused.

The main act was talented grime mc, Random Impulse aka Jovel Walker. The 22 year old has become an underground favourite after gaining airplay from Tim Westwood and DJ Cameo. He also sold over 10,000 copies of his 44 track mixtape. However when he took to the stage with his electric guitar he said: “I’m just going to do me.” Random Impulse then sang three songs, none of which I could describe as urban, and left me feeling short changed. The crowd hadn’t paid to hear his indie rock songs and neither had I. So why was he booked to perform at an urban night?

Also on the bill were Alex Blood and The Diggers. The Derbyshire based band were engaging but again, not urban. In the UK hip hop scene Alex got support as a solo artist from Radio 1, Kiss FM and MTV Base and he has toured with Jay-Z and Mark Ronson. Once on stage with The Diggers though, Alex Blood became yet another indie performer at I Luv Live.

UK soul singer Lemar had his name whispered around the crowd as many of the audience had waited to see his protégé Effie. Like Kanye West and John Legend, or Usher and Justin Bieber, had Lemar found a unique new talent? No. She was good but not great.

The night was saved by an unlikely hero. Darren B, whom I had only seen in a mobile phone TV ad singing off key, wowed the crowd. The North London born soul man sings his own material and has the ladies mesmerized at every note.

“I’d love to see myself with a top ten hit, a MOBO and Brit Award nomination,” says Darren.

After opening his set to a hoard of screaming girls, and a few guys, Darren sang “No City Boy”. Wretch 32 joined him on stage as a very welcome special guest to add his street rhymes which only enhanced the song.

Without sounding over-zealous, Darren B is the kind of artist that should be performing every week at I Luv Live. He is talented, contemporary, and he is urban.

Darren B is one of the few British artists who could really compete with our American masters and is currently the brightest star in an otherwise dimly lit music scene.

It’s only a matter of time before Darren B becomes a Brit Award nominee and winner.

Based on information supplied by John-James Anisiobi.