In late July 2025, musician Michael Kiwanuka returned to his Southampton home following a successful run of European concert dates. At the time, his critically acclaimed 2024 album, Small Changes, had secured a prominent position on the UK charts, trailing only Kendrick Lamar’s GNX in the battle for the top spot. His trajectory appeared uninterrupted as he prepared for the autumn release of his fifth studio record, Fudge. However, shortly before a scheduled performance at Ireland’s All Together Now festival, his team issued a sudden statement citing health issues that forced the cancellation of all upcoming appearances. His 2024 album Small Changes had been critically acclaimed and was kept off the UK No 1 slot only by Kendrick Lamar’s GNX. Kiwanuka had been expected to appear at the All Together Now festival in County Waterford, Ireland, in the coming days, when an announcement was posted to his Instagram story: “We are so sorry to announce that due to continued illness, and on the advice of doctors, Michael will sadly be unable to perform at the rest of his scheduled festival performances throughout the rest of the summer and the shows in North. Fudge wasn’t released and his social media channels fell silent.
The silence that followed remained unbroken for months, with the planned launch of his new record indefinitely postponed. This week, the 38-year-old artist finally shared the cause of his absence: he had suffered a serious haemorrhagic stroke. The incident resulted in emergency surgical intervention followed by months of intensive care, during which he required mechanical support to breathe. Following his discharge from the ICU, he spent five additional months in a hospital setting before transitioning to a specialist rehabilitation facility. This week, Kiwanuka revealed the devastating reason: at just 38, he’d had a haemorrhagic stroke.
Reflecting on the experience, Kiwanuka notes that releasing Fudge now carries a heavy, personal significance. During his ongoing recovery, he has participated in a series of candid discussions about his health, accompanied by his wife, singer Charlotte Kiwanuka. While he remains in rehabilitation, his drive to create music persists. He describes the process of returning to his craft as daunting but essential for his mental well-being. He emphasized that while a stroke can impact physical capabilities, his connection to his songs remains a source of hope and resilience. Until now, fans have heard nothing from – or about – Kiwanuka. His brief post updating fans on his health drew messages of support from the likes of Alicia Keys, Cat Power, Olivia Dean and Alabama Shakes.
Medical investigations determined that the stroke was triggered by high blood pressure, a condition the musician was entirely unaware of prior to the medical crisis. He expressed regret that he had not undergone routine health screenings, noting that medication could have potentially mitigated the risk. His decision to speak publicly is motivated by a desire to raise awareness, particularly regarding the higher statistical susceptibility to hypertension among Black African men. Dr. Maëva May of the Stroke Association confirms that early blood pressure monitoring is a vital preventative measure for these demographics, as the condition often presents without symptoms.
Beyond the physical toll, Kiwanuka has navigated complex emotional terrain, including bouts of anger, grief, and profound sadness. He utilized a notebook to document lyrics during his hospital stay, finding that writing provided a therapeutic outlet. His rehabilitation regimen has included vocal stamina training, such as using straws to blow bubbles through water to soothe his vocal cords, alongside learning simpler songs like those by Bob Dylan to practice his singing. He admits that some days are defined by progress and hope, while others remain challenging.
Before his health crisis, Kiwanuka had reached a career peak. His 2016 single Cold Little Heart achieved platinum status in the US following its feature in the drama series Big Little Lies, and each of his four previous albums landed in the UK Top 10. His 2020 record, Kiwanuka, earned him the prestigious Mercury Prize. His recent work on Fudge, which he co-produced, marked an artistic evolution characterized by a renegade, experimental approach. During live performances, he had also begun incorporating elements of his Ugandan heritage, such as wearing a traditional kanzu tunic, which he described as an empowering and freeing artistic choice. Whose eccentric, genre-busting mix of psychedelic rock, prog soul, blues and gospel had marked him as a real one-off, all was going perfectly for the virtuoso singer-songwriter.
While his long-term creative ambitions remain strong, the musician acknowledges that he cannot yet predict the full timeline for his return to touring. All live commitments are currently on hold, and he remains focused on his recovery within the rehabilitation centre. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, he finds purpose in finally releasing the work that was sidelined by his illness. For Kiwanuka, the act of sharing his story is a responsibility to those who follow his work, as he hopes that by speaking about his struggle with pain and health, he might encourage others to prioritize their own well-being.
Comments