Stroke Recovery And Album Announcement
Singer Michael Kiwanuka reveals stroke recovery and announces his upcoming album Fudge.
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Key Points
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Kiwanuka’s upcoming album Fudge will be his fifth studio album; he previously won the 2020 Mercury Prize for his self-titled third album and has received five Brit Award nominations.
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His most recent album before Fudge was 2024’s Small Changes.
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Lauren Laverne, a regular Mercury Prize host, publicly responded to Kiwanuka’s announcement by expressing sympathy and wishing him a full recovery: “Really glad you have good care and wishing you a full recovery asap. One day at a time.”
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Kiwanuka’s earlier career includes the 2012 debut album Home Again and the chart-topping 2016 record Love & Hate, whose song “Cold Little Heart” was used as the opening theme for HBO’s Big Little Lies.
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Other musicians and public figures, including Olivia Dean, Self Esteem and Romesh Ranganathan, posted messages of support in the comments on his announcement.
Singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, the 39-year-old Mercury Prize winner, revealed he suffered a severe stroke caused by bleeding in the brain linked to high blood pressure. Perth Now reported that Kiwanuka is now recovering and facing extensive rehabilitation, which has forced him to cancel U.S. performances including festival dates and shows opening for Mumford & Sons. He announced his upcoming fifth studio album, Fudge, recorded before the stroke and set for release on October 23.
Mercury Prize Winner Battles Recovery Ahead of Album Release
Kiwanuka won the 2020 Mercury Prize for his self-titled third album and has earned five Brit Award nominations throughout his career. His most recent album, Small Changes, came out in 2024. Flood Magazine noted that Fudge was self-produced by Kiwanuka and his live band in a small studio near his Southampton home. The album was completed before the stroke delayed its release by nearly a year.
The Stroke That Put Music Career on Pause
DIY Mag reported that the stroke was caused by high blood pressure and has forced Kiwanuka into a challenging recovery period. He expressed uncertainty about when he will return to touring, given the extensive rehabilitation ahead. In his announcement, Kiwanuka thanked NHS medical staff, family, friends, and his team for their support during what he called "among the toughest challenges" he has faced. He expressed hope that he is improving as he continues recovery.
Music Industry Rallies Behind Kiwanuka
Lauren Laverne, a regular Mercury Prize host, publicly responded to Kiwanuka's announcement with sympathy, saying: "Really glad you have good care and wishing you a full recovery asap. One day at a time." Other musicians and public figures including Olivia Dean, Self Esteem, and comedian Romesh Ranganathan posted messages of support. The outpouring reflects Kiwanuka's standing in the music community following hits like "Cold Little Heart," which became the opening theme for HBO's Big Little Lies.
From Chart-Topping Records to New Fudge Album
Kiwanuka's 2012 debut Home Again launched his career, followed by the chart-topping 2016 album Love & Hate. That Erical Per confirmed that Fudge, released through Polydor Records, captures a sense of optimism despite the year-long delay caused by his health struggles. The album represents his return to music after one of the hardest periods of his life, signaling both his resilience and his commitment to continuing his artistic journey.
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