Michael Kiwanuka will spend an extended period in rehabilitation after revealing he suffered a stroke a few months ago caused by a brain bleed brought on by high blood pressure.
The 39-year-old London singer-songwriter, winner of the 2020 Mercury Prize, disclosed the diagnosis in a message to fans and said the injury is “quite severe” and requires significant rehab. He also linked the health setback to recent cancelled dates, writing that the recovery explains why he missed some shows in the US.
Kiwanuka simultaneously announced the release of his fifth album, titled Fudge, which was completed before the stroke. The record had been due last year but was postponed; an early review in Mojo described it as intimate and brooding with echoes of Neil Young’s On The Beach. He said he had battled health problems that would have prevented him from making music for the foreseeable future, and confirmed the new album remains ready to be delivered to listeners.
On his health, Kiwanuka wrote, “The brain injury I suffered was quite severe so there’s a lot of rehab to be done,” and added, “It’s a long, tough journey ahead but I’m fighting to get better.” He thanked NHS staff and other medical professionals for their care, and expressed gratitude to friends and family for their support while he recovers.
The announcement follows a previous decision in July 2025 to cancel all live shows on medical advice because of “continued illness.” Kiwanuka said he does not yet know when he will be able to return to the road, but told fans he looks forward to seeing them “further down the road.”
For now the immediate consequences are clear: Kiwanuka’s recovery will shape the timing and scope of any touring or promotion for Fudge, and his rehabilitation remains the priority as he works to regain his health.
