Michael Kiwanuka has shared that he suffered a stroke a few months ago and is currently in recovery.
The Mercury Prize-winning artist revealed his health struggles in an Instagram post that also announced the upcoming release of his next album, Fudge.
“I’m very happy to be announcing to you my new album Fudge,” he began. “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.”
Kiwanuka, 39, said the stroke was brought on by a bleed on his brain, which in turn was caused by high blood pressure.
“It’s a long journey recovering from a stroke, which is why I missed some gigs recently out in the US, but I look forward to seeing you all soon,” he said.
The “You Ain’t the Problem” singer said he was unsure when he would be out on the road again or what that would look like.
“The brain injury I suffered was quite severe so there’s a lot of rehab to be done,” he explained in his post.
“It’s a long, tough journey ahead but I’m fighting to get better. It has been a difficult few months I must say but it feels like I’m on my way there now.”
Kiwaunka shared a special thank you to the NHS staff and medical professionals who had been helping to care for him immediately after the stroke and through his recovery.
“And thank you to my friends and family for their continued support and to my team who will keep you updated with all things Fudge-related,” 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. Until then I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you further down the road.”
Kiwanuka released his debut album, Home Again, in 2021, following that with 2016’s chart-topping Love & Hate, which featured the breakout single “Cold Little Heart”, used as the opening theme for the HBO series Big Little Lies.
His self-titled third album, Kiwanuka, won the Mercury Prize in 2020. His most recent album, Small Changes, came out in 2024, the same year he played the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.
Following his post to Instagram, hundreds of fans posted in the comments wishing Kiwanuka a “full and speedy recovery”.
“Your music means so much to so many people,” another fan said. “Get well soon.”
