MASTER Shortie has been announced as the main support on Basement Jaxx’s upcoming date at Manchester Apollo.

The gig on Thursday, April 30, is part of the dance giant’s first major UK tour in more than two years.

And Master Shortie, who has already performed alongside The Roots, Hadouken! and White Lies, should add to an exciting night in Manchester.

The 19-year-old rapper has been recording since the age of 12 and looks after his own promotion, record releases, styling and marketing.

As the poster boy of a DIY underground scene his 1980s tinged electro hip hop has caught the attention of Zane Lowe, Trevor Nelson, Sara Cox and MTV.

He says: “My music is more of a crossover between electro and indie, with hip-hop.

“I think the indie influence comes from me being a people person, like I don’t limit myself to being part of one scene or group of people, and I think that everyone’s different and everyone deserves a chance.

“With the youths of today, if you’re an indie kid you’re an indie kid, if you’re a grime kid you’re a grime kid, if you’re into reggae then you chill with the reggae guys.

“Whereas me, I’m dodging in and out of different crowds because each crowd and every person has a different personality and a different thing to offer me.”

Tickets for the show, priced £19.50, are on sale now and are available from gigsandtours.com or by calling 0871 2200 260.

For more on the artist visit mastershortie.com or myspace.com/mastershortie.