Cult Belfast singer/songwriter Duke Special is going it alone after being dropped by his record label due to poor sales, it has been revealed.

The Belfast-based singer — famed for his hobo-chic stage outfits, long dreadlocks and black eyeliner — is now asking his fans to help sell his records instead.

Duke — real name Peter Wilson — originally signed up with V2 Records in 2006 but this was later bought out by Universal which has decided that Duke was simply not profitable enough for them.

Duke's manager Phil Nelson announced the development in a “one off business explanation email” sent out to fans this week to explain why the singer had parted ways with his record company.

Mr Nelson said the move would allow Duke to “embark upon a radical new DIY way forward” as he continues to make his highly distinctive style of music.

To help promote his music further, Duke Special fans have been asked to download some of his tracks and then burn them onto CDs to give to family and friends as gifts in special promotional wallets.