THE hottest thing to come from the Seychelles since, er, well, anyway, released his debut single on Monday.

Rising star Boniface is already being described as the new Usher, and the British record industry is already claiming him as its own.

Major record labels Columbia, Universal/Island, Polydor and Def Jam were all involved in negotiations to get him to sign on the dotted line. In the end he decided to go with Columbia.

The pop star has already had girls fainting in the aisles when he supported Destiny's Child on their recent UK tour and the video for the single has been splashed across all the TV music channels

But when he speaks the mischievous Bruce Boniface shows a surprising level of modesty.

"I'm surprised at what has happened to me. But to be honest I'm just flattered that people are taking such an interest in me.

"I'm not sure if it is the way I look, the music or my performances.

"The reaction I got at the Destiny's Child concerts was unbelievable because I was an unknown artist.

"It was totally unexpected. Now I know I've gone down well with the ladies," he adds with a grin breaking out across his face.

Cheeky was released on Monday and is tipped to be a high new entry on Sunday.