paroolOct 30, 2026, 02:00

Review: just before his brain hemorrhage, Michael Kiwanuka made the beautiful, sometimes somber album Small Faces

British soul singer Michael Kiwanuka has released his raw, self-produced fifth album titled Fudge. The artist revealed in the vinyl edition that he suffered a brain hemorrhage shortly after completing the recordings, adding a somber and poignant context to the new music.

British soul singer Michael Kiwanuka has released his fifth studio album, Fudge, shortly after his previous record, Small Changes. Departing from his long-term collaboration with producers Danger Mouse and Inflo, Kiwanuka handled the production himself, resulting in a more raw, unpolished, and melancholic sound. He cites Neil Young's 1974 album On the Beach as a primary influence for this stripped-back, guitar-driven approach.

The release of the album is marked by a personal disclosure from the artist. Within the vinyl edition, Kiwanuka reveals that he suffered a brain hemorrhage shortly after completing the recording sessions last year. While the singer remains uncertain about his future health and career path, this revelation has lent an even more poignant and somber tone to the music. The album serves as a stark, reflective piece of work that captures a challenging moment in the musician's life.

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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