MICHAEL KIWANUKA

Michael Kiwanuka is confirmed to perform on the Heineken Stage on July 12th at the 16th edition of NOS Alive.

Michael Kiwanuka is a pure British talent with Ugandan roots. The son of parents who fled Uganda because of the Idi Amin regime, Kiwanuka discovered his first musical passions in rock music, influenced by bands such as Radiohead and Nirvana.

While studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and pop music at the University of Westminster, Kiwanuka formed a cover band. His talent caught the attention of Paul Butler (The Bees), who encouraged him to record his own songs, signing him to the Communion label, where he released the EPs Tell Me a Tale and I’m Getting Ready, culminating in the top spot on the BBC Sound Of 2012.

The debut album, Home Again (2012), became a commercial and artistic success and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. In 2016, he released “Love & Hate”, produced by Danger Mouse, further consolidating his position on the British music scene.

Kiwanuka incorporates influences from Van Morrison and Curtis Mayfield, developing a unique language that mixes folk, indie rock and r&b. The third album of the same name,  KIWANUKA released in 2019 and again produced by Danger Mouse, was critically and publicly acclaimed and considered an instant classic. The biggest highlights are his “warm and sincere” voice and “timeless and contemporary” approach to what he creates and composes, and of course, the Mercury Prize for “Best Album of The Year”.

Throughout her career, Kiwanuka has continued to impress, releasing hit singles such as “Money” (2019), in collaboration with Tom Misch, or the stratospheric “Cold Little Heart” (2017), made famous by the hit series Pretty Little Liars. His lasting impact on music is evident, solidifying him as a prominent figure on the contemporary music scene.