Michael Kiwanuka has revealed that he suffered a severe stroke earlier this year, explaining the health issues that forced him to miss several recent US performances. The singer-songwriter shared the news while announcing his fifth album, FUDGE, which arrives October 23rd via Polydor Records.
“A few months ago I suffered a stroke brought on by a bleed in my brain brought on by high blood pressure,” Kiwanuka wrote in a statement shared to social media. “It’s a long journey recovering from a stroke, which is why I missed some gigs recently out in the US, but I look forward to seeing you all soon.”
Kiwanuka said he still doesn’t know when he’ll be able to return to the road. “The brain injury I suffered was quite severe so there’s a lot of rehab to be done, it’s a long, tough journey ahead but I’m fighting to get better,” he continued. “It has been a difficult few months I must say but it feels like I’m on my way there now.”
He also thanked the NHS staff and other medical professionals who have cared for him throughout his recovery, along with his friends, family, and team. “This has definitely been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced and I’ll be happy to be on the other side of it when the time comes,” he added. “Until then I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you further down the road.”
The release of FUDGE had reportedly been on hold for nearly a year amid Kiwanuka’s health issues. Recorded in Southampton alongside his live band, the album marks the first time since 2012’s Home Again that Kiwanuka has made a record without longtime production collaborators Danger Mouse and Inflo. Instead, he took the lead on production himself before bringing the recordings to producer Dom Monks and longtime strings collaborator Rosie Danvers for completion.
Written largely alongside the sessions for 2024’s Small Changes, FUDGE grew out of a more informal studio setup near Kiwanuka’s home. “When I think of fudge it’s playful and childlike, which is good for creativity,” he said of the title. “But also it’s a polite way to say I’m just going to do it.”
The record finds Kiwanuka drawing inspiration from albums including The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, Neil Young’s On the Beach, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, and Shuggie Otis’ Inspiration Information, while loosening up the structures and expectations that shaped some of his previous work.
“I’m very happy to be announcing to you my new album FUDGE,” Kiwanuka wrote. “I’m especially happy because the last few months I’ve been battling some health problems which would heavily hinder and get in the way of me making music for the foreseeable future.”
FUDGE is out October 23rd pre-order it here. See Kiwanuka full statement about his stroke below.
FUDGE Artwork:
FUDGE Tracklist:
01. Summer Clothes
02. California
03. Just Another Moment
04. Drowning In Your Heart
05. Love In My Heart
06. Across The Sky
07. Stars
08. You Sent Me Flying
09. Move In My Direction
10. Steve’s Paradise
11. Sing
12. Swings And Roundabouts
