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Biography
Kiwanuka became interested in music initially through the likes of Nirvana, Radiohead, Offspring and Blur. Although it was through Jimi Hendrix that Kiwanuka found a musician he related to on a number of levels, inspiring him to pursue his talents on the guitar. Through friends, he found the music of Bob Dylan, falling in love with his well-crafted songs and folk guitar. Through Otis Redding, he became enamoured with his soulful voice, moving on to find the music of soul and motown.
Having played in rock bands throughout school, he began mixing with the likes of Labrinth, Bashy and Chipmunk, playing session guitar for these artists, as well as jamming with other musicians. However, unable to play music that he wanted to, Kiwanuka began to write songs of his own, initially for fun as a personal outlet. However, after recording a few demos of his own songs, those around him praised his talents, encouraging him to pursue a career in music.
He travelled to the Isle of Wight, UK to record a debut EP with Paul Butler of The Bees, an album that combined rootsy-folk alongside an electric tinge with the soulful vocals of Shuggie Otis and Curtis Mayfield. "Tell Me a Tale (Isle of Wight Sessions)" came out in 2011, spurring Kiwanuka forward in his solo career. Shortly after, Kiwanuka moved to Polydor Records to continue producing his music.
In 2012, he was included in the BBC's annual poll, the 'Sound of 2012,' and was named victor in January 2012. A support slot with Adele months before helped establish him on the live music scene, He released his debut album, "Home Again" in March 2012, which was a commercial and critical success, reaching number four in the UK Album Charts, as well as fairing well in a number of other countries.
Live reviews
Michael Kiwanuka is one of those young artists that you can feel the greatness within him, when he sings. You just know he will go far in his career and, at least for me, feel that it is an honor to be among the first to hear him perform live, and to one day be able to say you knew him when and you knew he was going to be a legend one day.
If you enjoy the smooth soul sounds of Otis Redding and Bill Withers, you will enjoy an evening listening to Michael Kiwanuka. Watching him on stage is pretty intense as you feel every sound and take in every lyric and if you watch closely every now and then when Michael knows he has hit that perfect stride, he gets this sly little smile that seems to say he knows he has the audience in his groove, and he surely does indeed.There are no fancy light shows just love of music that makes for a great performance from Michael and his band.
If you love soul make sure you get to know Michael Kiwanuka you will be in for a great experience and if you are still unsure take a little time to listen to his single “Bones” and then imagine being in the audience as he performs with his heart and soul and takes your breath away.
There was quite a large amount of expectational weight heaved onto the shoulders of North London soul/folk singer Michael Kiwanuka at the beginning of his career after the BBC awarded him the prestigious title of Sound of 2012. Luckily he made good on this expectation and produced a sincere, solid debut titled 'Home' with expert songwriting style and a refreshing lyrical voice.
He keeps his Iive experience notably intimate to best reflect the work found on the debut album and it is within these settings that he is able to captivate the crowds with a soulful tone and expert vocal range. Michael performs what many would consider professional suicide four tracks in as he covers 'May This Be Love' by the iconic Jimi Hendrix yet his intelligent re-imagination turns the recognisable rock classic into an alt-folk ballad. There are cheers for single 'Home Again' yet these do not match the final eruption of applause of the crowd awards this talented new artist for a brilliant live show.
sean-ward
This was my first time seeing MK with a full band, versus a solo/acoustic set.. and MAN was it great. Counting himself, he was a part of a six-piece outfit. His band was astounding, especially his lead guitar player.
His set rightfully focused on newer material, as he hasn't been around in a minute - and he FINALLY has a new album due out at the end of next month.. so he was excited to test out his new material in front of an NYC-crowd.
Michael's voice has grown to be a little more raw, and his beard & 'fro a great deal larger than the last time I saw him.
After seeing he and his band play last night, I can't wait for the new album to drop - I'm sure it'll have proven itself worthy of the wait!
spencpants
Great Show! I think Michael Kiwanuka's promoters should promote this show as "Prepare to have a Spiritual Experience". Nothing religious or anything like that - just transcendental, cos that's how you'll feel - his music sends you on an unexplained transcendental high, even though you are very much sober.
Speaking of which, this comment is for that group downstairs in the crowd who decided to ignore other people's right to enjoy a smoke-free show and chose to Light Up on the night, sending Marijuana smoke to all of us standing high on the first landing/balcony - "Not cool Dudes, so not cool!"
Thanks Michael for an amazing night!
kitty2349
It was a great concert. When everybody was in the building, he started to play a lot of his new songs, which was great. Also the older songs he played sounded very good. At the end 2 songs extra. The band was very good en the had lots of fun. Next week when his new album will be released, i'll looking forward to hear it.
mtv68
Michael was fantastic! However, I thought the sound was not as good as it could have been. It seemed like the back up vocals were louder than Him. It could have been where we were sitting in the balcony, but there were times when his voice, which is SO amazing, was drowned out by the band.
lynette-batson
He was outstanding he has a velvet voice absolutely fantastic artist lied it so did my friends my son told me Michael Kiwanuki and the band loved doing the gig because my son works with Michael Kiwanuki will be going to see him anytime I can love him
MargaretEggett
Tight and soulfull.
Fabulous singer and funky band.
Good venue with excellent sound.
He played almost entirely songs from the new album with one or two from his debut. This worked well and it was great to hear the new songs without strings.
Elflacobanana
An outstanding show with a powerful and charismatic performer. In addition his band were superb, each member seemed to be an accomplished and empathetic musician. The songs from the latest album were greatly enhanced in being performed live.
michael-atkinson
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