Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka is a soul singer-songwriter from Muswell Hill, London, born in 1987. He grows up in a Ugandan household, with parents who have left Uganda under the Amin regime, and later studies at Fortismere School before completing his A-levels in 2005. He then studies at the School of Media, Arts and Design at the University of Westminster.

Early career and recordings

Before establishing himself as a solo artist, Kiwanuka works as a session guitarist and plays with Chipmunk and Bashy. His first proper live show takes place at The Oxford in Kentish Town. He comes to the attention of Communion Records, which releases his first two EPs, including Tell Me A Tale, and he later signs to Polydor Records in 2011.

Recognition and performances

Kiwanuka wins the BBC Sound of 2012 poll in January 2012. He supports Adele on her 2011 tour and at her iTunes Festival appearance that same year, and also performs at Hard Rock Calling in 2011. He later appears at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park in 2016.

Style, influences and collaborators

His work is described as soul, and he is compared with artists including Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Randy Newman, Terry Callier, Otis Redding, Van Morrison and the Temptations. He also names influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Jack Johnson, Pops Staples, The Band, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Eric Bibb, Tommy Sims, Wham!, Richie Havens and Funkadelic. He has played with drummer James Gadson, who previously works with Bill Withers.

Selected songs and later attention

Kiwanuka’s song Cold Little Heart becomes the opening theme for the HBO miniseries Big Little Lies. His album Love & Hate also brings further recognition, and he receives the HiPipo Music Awards' “Best Global Act” honour in connection with that success and his work since his 2012 debut album Home Again.