Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Michael Kiwanuka Reveals Stroke While Announcing New Album Fudge
Michael Kiwanuka has announced a new album called Fudge.
He also shared that he had a serious stroke a few months ago.
The stroke happened after bleeding in his brain caused by high blood pressure.
He says he has a long recovery ahead and needs a lot of rehabilitation.
Because of his health, he does not know when he can perform live again.
Fudge was recorded before he became ill and will come out on 23 October.
His team has thanked medical workers, family, friends and supporters.
Kiwanuka has previously won the Mercury Prize for his album Kiwanuka.
Some earlier concert cancellations were linked to illness, but his team has not confirmed whether that illness was connected to the stroke.
Michael Kiwanuka said he suffered a stroke a few months ago after a brain bleed caused by high blood pressure.
The 39-year-old singer-songwriter said the injury was severe and will require extensive rehabilitation.
His fifth album, Fudge, was recorded before the stroke and is scheduled for release on 23 October.
Kiwanuka said he cannot yet say when he will tour again; the stroke explains some recent US concert cancellations.
His previous album, Small Changes, followed his 2020 Mercury Prize-winning album Kiwanuka.
- Who
- Michael Kiwanuka, a 39-year-old London singer-songwriter.
- What
- He revealed that he had suffered a stroke while announcing his fifth album, Fudge.
- When
- The stroke occurred a few months before the announcement; Fudge is due on 23 October.
- Where
- The announcement was made in an Instagram post; the stroke affected planned performances, including recent US gigs.
- Why
- He said the stroke followed a brain bleed caused by high blood pressure and that he needs extensive rehabilitation.
- Artist
- Michael Kiwanuka
- New album
- Fudge
- Release date
- 23 October
- Album status
- Recorded before Kiwanuka's stroke
- Health condition
- Stroke following a brain bleed caused by high blood pressure
- Recovery
- Kiwanuka said he faces a long rehabilitation and cannot yet confirm when he will tour
- Previous album
- Small Changes, released in November 2024
- Major award
- Kiwanuka won the Mercury Prize in 2020