Michael Kiwanuka Announces 'FUDGE' After Stroke

Michael Kiwanuka has announced his fifth album, FUDGE, and has explained why it took so long to appear. DIY reports that the record was held back for almost a year after he suffered a stroke linked to high blood pressure. He told fans about it directly on Instagram.

It is his first self-produced album since his 2012 debut, Home Again. He began it in a small studio near his home in Southampton, working with multi-instrumentalist Joe Connell. The recordings then went to producer Dom Monks and to Rosie Danvers, his longtime strings collaborator.

FUDGE was made alongside 2024's Small Changes, and over time it became a separate project. Kiwanuka describes it as looser and more playful. Many of the songs grew out of live jams and single takes. NME quotes him on its sense of optimism and freedom.

His live dates are on hold indefinitely while he recovers.

Release: FUDGE is out 23 October via Polydor Records.