Michael Kiwanuka's recent concert at The Level was nothing short of magical. The Mercury Prize-winning singer-songwriter took the stage with his trademark charisma and unique sound, performing to a sold-out audience who were eager to experience his artistry up close. Accompanied by two backup singers, a bassist, drummer, and pianist, Kiwanuka delivered both new and beloved tracks, starting the evening with "Lowdown Part I" from his latest album, Small Changes.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the audience greeted him with cheers. Kiwanuka, whose soulful music often evokes deep introspection, seems to resonate well with the people. He remarked, humorously, about being asked for his guitar pick for the first time, sharing, "No one had ever asked me for a pick before, that's cool." His instrumentation during the performance predominantly featured the Gibson P90 guitar, known for its warm and mellow sound, which blended beautifully with his rich, low tones.
Halfway through his set, Kiwanuka shared a light-hearted story about how his father had been more excited to see him on the Graham Norton Show than the artist himself. This storytelling aspect added another layer of connection as he played one of the standout tracks from Small Changes, the contemplative title track, which encapsulates the album's essence. Kiwanuka introduced the song by saying it was so impactful it inspired the entire album.
Transitioning to his older repertoire, he performed "Cold Little Heart" from 2019's Love & Hate, which brought the crowd to life as they sang along. The energy escalated to palpable tension when he left the stage, hinting at the possibility of no encore. Yet, as he and his band returned, the audience erupted with applause, eager for more of the music they cherished.
Concluding the show with what some deem his magnum opus, the self-titled "Love and Hate" took everyone on a euphoric ride, building to its climax with the words, "Love and hate, how much more are we supposed to tolerate?" The song's nine-minute duration allowed Kiwanuka to showcase his talents, culminating with him alone on stage, quietly strumming until the music faded. The gratitude from the appreciative audience was overwhelming, reflecting the impact of his music on both personal and societal levels.
Beyond the stage, Kiwanuka's evolution as an artist has been significant. After winning the Mercury Prize with his album Kiwanuka in 2020, he experienced what he calls a "wake-up call." For years, he sought validation from industry peers and media, but the award helped him shift his perspective. "It sort of woke me up. I'd been desperately looking for approval... and the Mercury freed me from desperation," he explained, emphasizing his newfound desire to create music authentically and without external pressures.
His latest album, Small Changes, released recently, reflects this shift. Kiwanuka describes it as his most understated work yet, marked by spacious, slow-burning confessionals. He feels it's more about immediate feelings and experiences rather than overthinking his music. The songs encompass personal themes like depression, commitment, and the challenges of parenthood. Even lyrics resonate with hope, showing growth from his previous struggles.
The album has garnered positive reviews, illustrating the evolution of his sound. Critics praised it for its rich and moving nature, and Kiwanuka himself feels it has allowed him to rediscover the strength of his voice. "I fell in love with my voice again. I started to want to have it heard more," he shared. Collaborations with producers like Inflo and Danger Mouse have also contributed to this creative rejuvenation.
Thematically, Small Changes explores many facets of his life. Kiwanuka spoke candidly about the weight of fatherhood and relationships. Now, with two young children, he finds himself juggling the joys and responsibilities of family life, which often clash with his artistic pursuits. This tension creates both inspiration and new questions about his identity and where music fits.
"When you're 18, music is all-encompassing, but now there's something more important," he noted, recognizing the shift. Kiwanuka embraces the term "commitment," intricately weaving it through the album. "It's almost revolutionary to stick something through to the end. Commitments can act as a stronghold against the chaotic world around us," he stated, demonstrating how his personal and artistic lives harmonize.
During his Glastonbury performance, Kiwanuka provided insights on vulnerability and authenticity. When technical issues arose, instead of succumbing to frustration, he found humor and connection with the audience. It transformed the interaction, showcasing his essence rather than the facade often upheld on stage. He recalled, “They saw the real me for a second, rather than what I thought people wanted to see.”
Reflecting on his career, Kiwanuka poses thought-provoking questions around identity, success, and the value of moments over accolades. He recognizes the importance of the interactions forged with fans, feeling uplifted by their energy during concerts. After years of grappling with impostor syndrome, he now sees his position with clarity, often reveling in the unique experiences music offers him. “The list is so long of how cool this job is,” he recalled, acknowledging the joy of simply creating art.
Michael Kiwanuka's new album and his latest performances epitomize his growth as both an artist and individual, illustrating how small changes lead to monumental personal transformations. His ability to create music rooted in personal truths, coupled with the sense of freedom he now embraces, has not only changed his music but also offered hope and connection to many. Through his art, Kiwanuka serves as a reminder of the beauty present within life's transitions, encouraging listeners to reflect on their journeys.
