Michael Kiwanuka

Bio

Michael Kiwanuka is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Muswell Hill, London, on 3 May 1987. His music blends soul, folk, and psychedelic influences, often exploring themes of identity, belonging, and social justice. He first gained widespread recognition with his 2012 debut album Home Again, which reached the UK top five and earned him the BBC Sound of 2012 award. His follow-up, Love & Hate (2016), was produced by Danger Mouse and further established his reputation for introspective songwriting and rich, cinematic arrangements. Kiwanuka’s self-titled third album, released in 2020, won the Mercury Prize and showcased a more experimental, psychedelic sound. His work is noted for its emotional depth and distinctive voice, drawing comparisons to artists such as Otis Redding and Terry Callier.