MICHAEL KIWANUKA BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS

MICHAEL KIWANUKA BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS: British soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, 39, is one of the most celebrated voices of his generation — a Mercury Prize winner whose fifth studio album FUDGE arrived in October 2026 as he continues his recovery from a severe stroke.

From topping the BBC Sound of 2012 poll to a UK Number 1 album and a Mercury Prize, Kiwanuka has built a career on deeply personal songwriting steeped in vintage soul. This biography covers his age, early life, career and biggest songs — plus the latest facts on new album FUDGE, lead single "Summer Clothes" and his health.

Early Life

Michael Samuel Kiwanuka was born on 3 May 1987 in Muswell Hill, London, England, which makes him 39 years old as of November 2026. He is the son of Deborah and Michael Kiwanuka, Ugandan immigrants who fled Idi Amin's regime and made a new home in London.

He attended Fortismere School, graduating in 2005, and went on to study at the University of Westminster's School of Media, Arts and Design. Before stepping into the spotlight himself, Kiwanuka worked as a session guitarist, playing for artists including Chipmunk and Bashy.

Career

Kiwanuka's breakthrough came in January 2012, when he won the prestigious BBC Sound of 2012 poll. His debut album Home Again (2012) was certified gold in the UK, its warm retro-soul sound earning comparisons to Bill Withers and Otis Redding.

His second album, Love & Hate (2016), debuted at Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The self-titled Kiwanuka (2019) then won the Mercury Prize in 2020, and his work has earned nominations at the Brit Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards, the BBC Music Awards and the Grammy Awards. A fourth album, Small Changes, followed in November 2024.

Signed to Polydor Records, Kiwanuka is known as a singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. His music has reached a wider audience through high-profile placements, including appearances on Barack Obama's summer playlists in 2021 and 2023. He has been married to fellow musician Charlotte Kiwanuka since 2016.

FUDGE and 2026

In 2026 Kiwanuka returned with FUDGE (stylised in all caps), his fifth studio album, released on 23 October 2026 on Polydor. The 12-track record is primarily self-produced — his first album without Danger Mouse or Inflo at the helm since Home Again in 2012 — with additional production from Dom Monks and string arrangements by Rosie Danvers. Written concurrently with Small Changes and recorded in Southampton and Frome, the album was introduced by lead single "Summer Clothes".

September 2026 brought difficult news: reports disclosed that Kiwanuka had suffered a severe haemorrhagic stroke brought on by high blood pressure, with the onset reported in July 2025. He required emergency care and spent time in intensive care, and the resulting brain injury has been described as "quite severe". He continues with ongoing rehabilitation, and his live commitments are on hold indefinitely.

FUDGE was completed before the stroke, and its release was delayed by about a year. A companion documentary, The Making of 'FUDGE': A Film — directed by Jodie Canwell and assembled from 2023 studio footage filmed before the stroke — premiered on 28 October 2026.

Watch the Official Video

Watch the official video for "Summer Clothes", the lead single from FUDGE:

FAQ

How old is Michael Kiwanuka?

Born on 3 May 1987 in London, he is 39 years old as of November 2026.

What is Michael Kiwanuka's most famous award?

The Mercury Prize, which he won in 2020 for his third album Kiwanuka (2019).

What is Michael Kiwanuka's new album?

FUDGE, his fifth studio album, released on 23 October 2026 on Polydor and led by the single "Summer Clothes".

What happened to Michael Kiwanuka's health?

Reports in September 2026 said he had suffered a severe haemorrhagic stroke brought on by high blood pressure. He spent time in intensive care and continues rehabilitation, with live shows on hold indefinitely.

Read next: Fudge album tracklist for the full FUDGE track-by-track, plus our Sam Fender biography, Ellie Goulding biography and Florence + The Machine biography.