Michael Kiwanuka Profile and Discography | African Music Library

Go Back

Michael Kiwanuka

First Name:

Other Names:

Last Name:

Stage Name:

Country:

Born:

Primary Language:

Participations

117

Songwriter

10

Electric Guitarist

6

Acoustic Guitarist

116

Performer

7

Bassist

3

Vocalist

1

Synthesist

2

Pianist

1

Percussionist

1

Organist

1

Guitarist

1

Background Singer

4

Lead Vocalist

1

Lead Guitarist

1

Electric Pianist

Bio

Michael Kiwanuka is a British-Ugandan musician and singer-songwriter born to Ugandan parents who fled Idi Amin's regime. Raised in North London, he developed an early passion for music. His debut album, "Home Again," released in 2012, received widespread acclaim, earning him a nomination for the Mercury Prize, which he later won in 2020. Kiwanuka's distinctive voice and introspective lyrics have captivated audiences, leading to the creation of other remarkable albums such as "Love & Hate" in 2016 and "Kiwanuka" in 2019. Embracing classic soul and R&B influences from the 1960s and 70s, his music also incorporates a modern sensibility that resonates with today's listeners.

Discography

Albums⁴

Kiwanuka

Kiwanuka2019 • AlbumTracks: 14

Love & Hate

Love & Hate2016 • AlbumTracks: 10

Home Again

Home Again2012 • AlbumTracks: 10

Home Again - Deluxe Version

Home Again - Deluxe Version2012 • AlbumTracks: 15

EPs⁴

Out Loud - Live

Out Loud - Live2018 • EPTracks: 6

I'm Getting Ready

I'm Getting Ready2011 • EPTracks: 3

iTunes Festival: London 2011

iTunes Festival: London 20112011 • EPTracks: 5

Tell Me a Tale: Isle of Wight Sessions

Tell Me a Tale: Isle of Wight Sessions2011 • EPTracks: 3

Singles²²

Beautiful Life

Beautiful Life2021 • SingleTracks: 3

Solid Ground - Virgil Abloh Remix

Solid Ground - Virgil Abloh Remix2020 • SingleTracks: 1

Final Days - Bonobo Remix

Final Days - Bonobo Remix2020 • SingleTracks: 1

Light

Light2020 • SingleTracks: 1

You Ain't The Problem - Claptone Remix

You Ain't The Problem - Claptone Remix2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Hero

Hero2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Solid Ground

Solid Ground2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Piano Joint - This Kind of Love

Piano Joint - This Kind of Love2019 • SingleTracks: 1

You Ain't The Problem - Radio Edit

You Ain't The Problem - Radio Edit2019 • SingleTracks: 1

You Ain't The Problem

You Ain't The Problem2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Money

Money2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Cold Little Heart - Acoustic

Cold Little Heart - Acoustic2019 • SingleTracks: 1

Cold Little Heart - Radio Edit

Cold Little Heart - Radio Edit2017 • SingleTracks: 1

Cold Little Heart - Tom Misch Remix

Cold Little Heart - Tom Misch Remix2017 • SingleTracks: 1

One More Night - SG Lewis Remix

One More Night - SG Lewis Remix2016 • SingleTracks: 1

Love & Hate - Leon Vynehall Love Rework

Love & Hate - Leon Vynehall Love Rework2016 • SingleTracks: 1

Love & Hate - Alternative Radio Mix

Love & Hate - Alternative Radio Mix2016 • SingleTracks: 1

You've Got Nothing To Lose

You've Got Nothing To Lose2014 • SingleTracks: 2

Bones

Bones2012 • SingleTracks: 2

I'll Get Along

I'll Get Along2012 • SingleTracks: 2

I'm Getting Ready

I'm Getting Ready2012 • SingleTracks: 2

Home Again

Home Again2012 • SingleTracks: 3

Label

Record Label associated with Michael Kiwanuka - past and current.

Similar Artists

Paa Kow

Ghana |1974| English

Paa Kow (pronounced Pa-ko) is a Ghanaian drummer and composer known for his unique Afro-Fusion sound that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz and roots music. Dubbed "Ghana's most artistic drummer" by Modern Ghana, he has toured internationally and shared stages with African and American luminaries. Paa Kow plays a custom, hand-carved, traditionally inspired Ghanaian drum set that is the only one of its kind in the world. He aims to spread the music and culture of his homeland through his Afro-Fusion Orchestra.

The Shaolin Afronauts

The Shaolin Afronauts

Australia |2008| English

Afrobeat Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer bibendum congue elementum. Etiam sed felis metus. Nam in fringilla dolor, sit amet venenatis mi. Pellentesque arcu nisi, consectetur vel accumsan id, tempus ut dolor. Nulla laoreet diam vitae nisl lobortis sollicitudin. Proin vehicula, odio et mattis finibus, dui risus tincidunt tellus, at ullamcorper ante orci hendrerit purus. Nullam sagittis dolor quis efficitur vestibulum. Vestibulum mollis ac lectus in gravida. Nunc dapibus suscipit maximus. Proin semper justo lorem, tristique malesuada ex feugiat sed. Suspendisse placerat sem a convallis sodales. Pellentesque elementum nisl eget risus porta tempus. Fusce nec malesuada magna. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas hendrerit, mauris vitae sodales ultrices, ex dolor rhoncus neque, a fermentum felis velit egestas diam.

Luis Morais

Cape Verde |1935| Portuguese

Luís Morais was a Cape Verdean musician, songwriter, arranger and clarinetist who is considered one of the greatest musicians of Cape Verde. He was a pioneer of the first recordings made in Cape Verde, and learned to play and compose music in Dakar, Senegal before moving to Rotterdam, Netherlands and Lisbon, Portugal.

Manu Dibango

Cameroon |1933| French

Manu Dibango, born in Douala, Cameroon, was a revered musician, composer, and saxophonist who played a vital role in introducing African music to the global stage. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment, Dibango developed a distinct sound on the saxophone, blending Cameroonian rhythms with jazz, funk, and Afrobeat influences. In 1972, he gained international recognition with the release of "Soul Makossa," a chart-topping hit that propelled him to global fame. Dibango's music transcended boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide. His live performances showcased his exceptional talent and stage presence, leaving a lasting impact on listeners. Manu Dibango's legacy endures. Despite his passing on March 24, 2020, his unique sound and pioneering efforts continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers globally.

Tony Allen

Nigeria |1940| English

Although famous for drumming, Tony Allen was also a composer, and singer-songwriter. He began his career playing with highlife bands in Nigeria in the 1960s and later joined Fela Kuti's band, where he helped develop the style of music known as Afrobeat. Allen's complex polyrhythmic drumming was a key element of Afrobeat, and he went on to work with other musicians around the world. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy as one of the greatest drummers in the world lives on.

Oumou Kouyate

Mali |1970| Bambara

Oumou Demba Kouyaté, better known by her real name Oumou Kouyaté, which doubles as stage name, is a celebrated Malian artist renowned for promoting Mali's music across various social media platforms. Her songs, including "Diaba Sira," "Tamba," "N'Gnonkônadan," and "Kognian," have garnered significant popularity within Mali.

Beautiful Nubia

Beautiful Nubia

Nigeria |1968| Yoruba

Segun Akinlolu, known as Beautiful Nubia, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, composer, and band leader. Inspired by Nigeria's traditional culture, he founded EniObanke in 1997 and released his debut album. EniObanke Music Festival, Nigeria's first folk and roots music festival, was initiated by his company. In 1998, Beautiful Nubia formed The Roots Renaissance Band, gaining fame with their third album, "Jangbalajugbu," featuring the hit track "Owuro L'Ojo." Despite piracy, the album sold over a million copies. With 14 more studio albums, Beautiful Nubia's music is didactic, philosophical, and moving, advocating for personal development and social justice. His unique style has received acclaim and reached international charts. Segun Akinlolu continues to captivate audiences with his passion and cultural wisdom.

Umm Kulthum

Egypt |1898| Arabic

Umm Kulthum was an iconic Egyptian singer, songwriter, and film actress. Her natural singing talent blossomed as she joined her family ensemble at 12, providing supporting vocals. At 16, she was mentored by renowned singer Mohamed Abo Al-Ela, propelling her to greatness in classical Arabic music. Signing with Odeon Records in 1923, she became Egypt's highest-paid musical artist. Her fame soared, captivating audiences on groundbreaking tours and radio broadcasts. For four decades, her monthly concerts cleared bustling city streets. Notable for supporting Egyptian military efforts, she earned Rolling Stone's "200 Greatest Singers" recognition. A national icon, Um-Kulthum's legacy inspires musicians worldwide.