British Songwriter Michael Kiwanuka’s Masterfully Layered Self-Titled Album

No doubt, Michael Kiwanuka brings something exceptional to the table— his warm colors and soothing voice come together beautifully to make up his eponymous new self-titled album. His much anticipated, third studio album, KIWANUKA, is a powerful message of confidence and self-acceptance in the form of thoughtfully crafted songs.

After working as a guitar player in several bands, Kiwanuka initially played his own music in his spare time on the side, yet later he was signed by Polydor Records and released his first full-length album Home Again in 2012. It immediately garnered recognition among critics and listeners, and eventually went gold.

Michael Kiwanuka’s newest release, produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, is full of fresh, new sounds. It differs somewhat from what has been prevalently circulating previously, but maintains accessibility. With a masterful blend of worldly influences that spans many decades, the British artist dips his toe in several areas, from the psychedelic mirage of “Interlude: Loving the People” to the fluttery-soft sounds in “Hard to Say Goodbye.”

The intro to the album, and debut single, “You Ain’t The Problem” features upbeat vintage elements with a clear African-influenced sound. Congas fade in and out, and shakers hold the beat. Though using traditional instruments, Kiwanuka expertly situates modern harmonized vocals and distorted punches of a synthesizer. The accompanying music video features soft colors and people dancing with overlay lyrics. The song carefully preludes what the rest of the album will hold— a melting pot where delightful surprises wait around every measure.

The album has been received positively for its bold sounds mixed with a dominant 60’s and 70’s energy. “Hero” slows down the invigorating pace of the first track, and Kiwanuka changes the message from self-acceptance to self-questioning. Yet another is the dark, experimental jazz-influenced song “Piano Joint.”

Kiwanuka is known for his distinct sound. About the release, he explains, "The last album came from an introspective place and felt like therapy, I guess. This one is more about feeling comfortable in who I am and asking what I want to say. Like, how could I be bold and challenge myself and the listener? It is about self-acceptance in a more triumphant rather than a melancholy way. It’s an album that explores what it means to be a human being today.”

Along with a masterfully exquisite and developed album, Kiwanuka has planned a 2020 North American tour beginning on January 22nd and ending on February 15th. KIWANUKA is available to purchase and stream everywhere now.

Tour Dates

1/22/20 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park (SOLD OUT)

1/24/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Theater at the Ace Hotel (SOLD OUT)

1/25/20 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

1/26/20 - Portland, CA @ Roseland Theater

1/28/20 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

1/29/20 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox (SOLD OUT)

1/31/20 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

2/01/20 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theater

2/03/20 - St Paul, MN @ Palace Theater

2/04/20 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

2/06/20 - Toronto, ON @ Rebel