It’s been an unusual eighteen months for Michael, with the touring of his universally loved third album KIWANUKA cut short at the start of the pandemic, meaning he is yet to play the record live for his UK fans. With time on his hands, Michael started writing and demoing new tracks for his fourth record. During those writing sessions, the Oscar winning British director Orlando von Einsiedel reached out to see if he would be interested in contributing to a new documentary, Convergence: Courage In A Crisis.
Michael contributes new song Beautiful Life for its title music, recorded in London alongside producer St Francis Hotel. It’s classic Michael Kiwanuka; all otherworldly sounds, psychedelic hues, and that rich, mellifluous vocal. A welcome return by one of the most visionary artists of a generation.
Michael:
“In this song I wanted to focus on the feeling that there’s a real strength in the human spirit when you try to look for beauty even in difficult situations. Of course, in some situations that becomes more and more difficult. But I just wanted to ponder on that and wonder what life would be like if I lived it like that.“Ultimately whatever people feel from hearing the song is ok with me. But what I was trying to emit through the music was a feeling of defiance. A feeling of strength through adversity.”
Michael Kiwanuka continues to work on his next full-length record.
In Spring 2022, he embarks on a tour of the UK culminating with shows at Brixton Academy and Alexandra Palace. The tour then continues into Europe throughout much of the year.
Michael headlines the sold-out Green Man Festival next Summer and will join Liam Gallagher at a sold out Knebworth Park in June.
Michael Kiwanuka Live (UK):
6th May – O2 Academy, Glasgow
8th May – O2 Academy, Leeds
9th May – De Montford Hall, Leicester
11th May – Corn Exchange, Cambridge
13th May – Empress Ballroom, Blackpool
14th May – Bonus Arena, Hull
17th May – O2 Apollo, Manchester
18th May – O2 City Hall, Newcastle
20th May – Brighton Centre
21st May – Pavilions, Plymouth
23rd May – O2 Academy, Brixton
25th May – Alexandra Palace, London
4th June – Knebworth Park, Herts (w/ Liam Gallagher)
8th August – Summer Sessions, Edinburgh
18th – 21st August – Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons
Listen Michael Kiwanuka ‘s Beautiful Life on Connectfm Radio Hits Playlist
https://www.facebook.com/MichaelKiwanuka
