Michael Kiwanuka reveals stroke, announces album Fudge — SkimNews
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- Michael Kiwanuka revealed in an Instagram post that he suffered a stroke "a few months ago" caused by a bleed in his brain from high blood pressure, describing the brain injury as "quite severe."
- The 39-year-old London singer-songwriter said he faces "a long, tough journey ahead" with extensive rehab and that he is unsure when he can return to touring or what that will look like.
- Kiwanuka simultaneously announced his fifth studio album "Fudge," which was recorded before the stroke and originally scheduled for release last year.
- The 2020 Mercury Prize winner thanked NHS staff and medical professionals for their care; US singer Miguel, Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien, and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne publicly sent well-wishes.
- Kiwanuka cancelled all live shows in July 2025 citing "continued illness" and has now disclosed that the stroke was the cause, also explaining missed recent US tour dates.
Why it matters: The 2020 Mercury Prize winner's revelation puts his "Fudge" album cycle and live career on hold indefinitely as he undergoes stroke rehabilitation. The cause of his previously announced July 2025 show cancellations is now publicly disclosed, shifting the narrative from unexplained illness to a specific, severe medical recovery requiring extensive rehab.
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