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Michael Kiwanuka


Born: 1987
Location: London, England
Genre: Soul, Singer-Songwriter
Years Active: 2011 -
Real Name: Michael Kiwanuka
Meaning of the Name: Kiwanuka is Ugandan for 'God of thunder and lightning.'
Way of Working: Works with producers
Associated: Sault

Essential Releases

Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate

Love & Hate (2016)

Psychedelic soul mixed with introspection.

Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka

Kiwanuka (2019)

A passionate soul record about overcoming self-doubt.


Michael Kiwanuka's sad songs are so good I sometimes find myself hoping he never finds happiness. I'm not proud of it, but when it happens I recall his big grin and warming belly laugh as a reminder that few people deserve such a blessing more. Perhaps I'll allow him the occassional smile. If such a talented performer, with a voice of honeyed oak, can be full of self-doubt and 'impostor syndrome' then what hope do the rest of us have? Conversely, maybe doubting his abilities, despite having topped the UK albums charts with Love & Hate (2016), is precisely what makes Kiwanuka so relatable?

Maybe this sense of vulnerability is rooted in his Christian faith, which ostensibly plays a key role in his songwriting. While efforts like 'I'm Getting Ready' address his beliefs directly, "Oh Lord, I'm getting ready to believe", for the most part his music is reminiscent of religion in sound and theme instead of being strictly 'Christian music'. The use of choirs and universal spiritual ideas, such as finding peace, is revelatory in a earthy, soulful way instead of being devout, connecting with people of all denominations and none.

Such thematic traits are deeply rooted. Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Bill Withers, who were all Baptists, made their songs accessible by focusing on the basic human emotions that underlie Christianity's core teachings instead of advocating for outright worship.

For example, the sincere 'Lean on Me', by Withers, is about helping your neighbour in times of need: "I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on." Whereas Cooke sings of hope in the face of adversity on 'A Change is Gonna Come': "I couldn't last for long, but now I'm able to carry on." Both works use "carry on" to convey the central motif of perseverance in the face of hardship.

The music of Michael Kiwanuka has such a 'timeless' feel because he follows in the footsteps of such aforementioned luminaries, repeating the same lyrical phrase five decades later: 'You know I've tried, the Lord said to me help me carry on.' (from 'I've Been Dazed'). While lush strings arrangements and techniques such as vinyl crackle add to the retro soul aesthetic, Kiwanuka's music also features modern polish.

Working with some of the best producers in the business, such as Danger Mouse and Inflo, Kiwanuka has deprecated his own abilities, telling The Guardian: "I'm nothing without the superheroes". While at first reading a ridiculous statement, in his typically modest fashion, he has a point. His best-received albums, Love & Hate and Kiwanuka, were both crafted by super-producers. However, its commonly accepted that such workers earn their keep by facilitating great talent to reach their maximum potential.

Ultimately, despite his own doubts, Michael Kiwanuka has earned his place as a modern master of soul. As a multi-instrumentalist with a voice of aching beauty, he humbly carries the genre forth into the 21st century.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
85

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
65

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
70

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
55

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
85

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
90

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
95

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
85

Singing

i Technical attributes.
90

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
90

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
55

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
55

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
80

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
60

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
55

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
35

Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Mercury Prize WINNER!: Kiwanuka

Certifications >>>

  • Home Again: Gold in the UK
  • Love & Hate: Gold in the UK
  • Kiwanuka: Gold in the UK

Charts >>>

  • Home Again: Number 1 in Holland; Number 4 in the UK
  • Love & Hate: Number 1 in the UK
  • Kiwanuka: Number 2 in the UK
  • Small Changes: Number 2 in the UK

Critics >>>

  • American Songwriter: Love & Hate - Best Albums of 2016: 2nd
  • BBC Radio 6: Love & Hate - Best Albums of 2016: 4th
  • BBC Radio 6: Kiwanuka - Best Albums of 2019: 3rd
  • Chicago Tribune: Love & Hate - Best Albums of 2016: 4th
  • Good Morning America: Kiwanuka - Best Albums of 2019: 2nd
  • Mojo: Love & Hate - Best Albums of 2016: 2nd

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