Music students in Norwich will join rising star Maverick Sabre on stage at the Waterfont venue later in the year - after they impressed by singing backing vocals on the video version of his new single.

Students at Norwich's Access to Music college, in King Street, were invited to perform on 'I Need' yesterday .

The singer, whose debut single 'Let Me Go' earned him massive radio support, an appearance on prestigious music TV show Later with Jools, a Top 20 hit and a Mobo nomination, is visiting music colleges round the country and inviting their students to play on the track.

Players can perform their own version of a part from the original track, create a new part of their own on any instrument, or get a group together to sing the chorus.

The best performances from the college sessions will then be turned into a new version of the track and the video will be released online.

Maverick, real name Michael Stafford, said: 'I did not know what to expect, but the backing vocals the students came up with were fantastic.

'I'm playing the Waterfront, in King Street, Norwich on November 9 and I want the three singers who sang harmony vocals to come on the stage that night, and sing with me on 'I Need'.

'I wrote 'I Need' when I was 16 and a lot of these students were around the same age. They were inspirational.'

The three singers who sang backing vocals on the track were, Georgia King, 17, from King Street, Norwich, Dan Law, 17, from Aylsham Road, Norwich, and Amy Bristow, 21, from Brandon, near Thetford

Miss King said that it was 'wicked and a good experience' while Mr Law said: 'We were really happy to take part in it. We all want to be session musicians so it was a great experience. It's going to be great to perform with Maverick on stage at the Waterfront.'

Fellow student Charlie Stuart, 19, from Diss, also played guitar on the track for its online use.

Maverick, whose hip-hop inspired soulful folk vocals have won great acclaim, is also visiting music colleges in Brighton, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Glasgow and Manchester.

The single will be released on November 7 and the video version will then be released online.

Have you got a story about the entertainment scene in Norwich? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.