A former Norwich City star's musical invention has been given the nod of approval by one of the world's greatest music legends.

Dion Dublin was in Los Angeles for the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Drum Festival to promote his Dube – a six-sided electronic instrument – when he bumped into Stevie Wonder at a Chinese restaurant.

To his surprise, the blind singer-songwriter took an interest in the Dube and ended up having a go on the instrument.

Dion, who played 79 times for the Canaries, said: 'My three brothers were out there with us and Ashley is a huge fan of Stevie Wonder and he had to go over and ask for a photograph.

'He politely refused and Ashley left it at that. Then after he had finished eating, one of his security men came over to chat. He apologised and we told him about the Dube and why we were there.

'He went back to the table and told him about us and he came over, held out his hand and said 'Hi, I'm Stevie, tell me about your new instrument'.

'We couldn't believe it. He must have held my hand for about 15 seconds then I told him all about it.

'As they left, the security guy said Stevie was going to the convention and would bring him over to our pitch. I teased about Steve Wonder coming to see an instrument that started in Norwich with a hammer and nails but they brought him over. He said hello, felt the Dube with his hands for a few seconds then started playing. He even started singing one of his own songs as we all jammed with him. It was pretty special.'

For more information about the Dube, go to www.thedube.com.

Are you part of an innovative project? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.