Craig David has important message as he returns to Southampton
The icon, famous for hits including 7 Days, has called on the government to invest more in social housing after revisiting his old home on the Holyrood Estate in the city.
One of Southampton's most famous sons, he lived there from the age of one until his music career took off in his early 20s.
He returned to the city with housing charity, Shelter, going back to the estate with his mother Tina.
Craig David outside his flats in the Holyrood Estate when he was younger (Image: Craig David/Family Handout) The musician, now 43 and awarded an MBE in 2021, said: "Growing up in a social home meant everything to me.
"It wasn't just a place to live – it was a space where I felt secure, supported and able to be myself.
"The sense of community was so strong too – we looked out for each other and that made all the difference.
"I remember how, in that very home, I could sit down, play my melodies and dream.
"That home was where I wrote some of the most important songs of my life – songs that went on to shape my career and touch so many people's hearts."
READ MORE: Westquay: Opening date for ProCook Southampton confirmed
While living in the area, he came up with songs for his 2000 debut album, Born to Do It, which included the hits 7 Days, Walking Away and Fill Me In.
The chart-topping album became the fastest-selling debut by a British male solo act at the time, making David the face of the UK garage genre.
Holyrood flatsHe continued: "Going back with Shelter to visit my old home, and still feeling that same energy, reminded me just how powerful the foundation of a stable, loving home can be.
"I'm proud to support Shelter's campaign, because it's heart-breaking to think so many children today don't have that same chance.
"Every child deserves the security, support and sense of belonging I was lucky enough to grow up with – and that means investing in social housing."
The Shelter film follows David meeting the family who now live in his former home, as well as speaking about his childhood and his early career.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said the Government is 'taking urgent action to fix the broken system we inherited'.
They said ministers are doing this 'through our Plan for Change, injecting £2 billion to help deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation, investing in homelessness services, and bringing forward overdue reforms to the Right to Buy scheme that will protect the stock of existing social housing'.
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