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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's never happy. I'm not proud of it. When it happens I recall his big grin and warming belly laugh as a reminder that few deserve it more. If a talented musician with a voice of honeyed oak can be full of self-doubt and 'impostor syndrome' when performing, what hope is there for the rest of us? Conversely, maybe being unsure of his abilities, despite having topped the UK albums charts with Love & Hate (2016), is precisely what makes him so relatable?

Perhaps this sense of vulnerability is rooted in his faith, which plays a key role in his songwriting, especially on an emotional level. 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 church in sound and theme instead of being strictly "Christian music". The use of choirs and universal spiritual ideals, such as finding peace, is revelatory in a soulful way, connecting with people of all denominations and none.

Such thematic traits are deeply rooted. Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Bill Withers, who were all Baptist, made songs with religious undertones that were accessible to the general public because they centred on basic human feelings that anyone could understand. For example, the sincere 'Lean on Me', by Withers, is about helping your neighbour in times of need.

Kiwanuka's work channels these luminaries to create a "timeless" feel enhanced by lush string arrangements, vinyl crackle, and a preference for recording in analogue. Through his Mercury Prize-winning quality, Kiwanuka has earned the right to be celebrated as a modern master of soul music, carrying the torch into the modern era.


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.
40

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

Critics >>>

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

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