The British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has said he has suffered a stroke and faces a “long tough journey” on the road to recovery. The 39-year-old singer from London, whose hits include Cold Little Heart and Home Again, said the “quite severe” bleed in his brain was the reason he had missed some tour dates this year when he was due to support Mumford & Sons, and that the stroke had been brought on by high blood pressure. Kiwanuka, who won the 2020 Mercury prize, said in an Instagram post promoting his new album, recorded before the stroke, that there was still “a lot of rehab to be done”.
He said: “I’m very happy to be announcing to you my new album Fudge. 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. He also thanked the “incredible” NHS staff who have cared for him.
He said: “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. What a time you must have had. Really glad you have good care and wishing you a full recovery asap.
Xx.” Singers Olivia Dean and Self Esteem, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien also sent supportive messages. Kiwanuka released his debut album, Home Again, in 2012, followed by his chart-topping record, Love And Hate, in 2016. The singer said more details on his forthcoming album Fudge will be announced this week.
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