Michael Kiwanuka reveals stroke forced Fudge album delay

Michael Kiwanuka has spent months recovering away from the public eye

The singer, now 38, suffered a haemorrhagic stroke last summer and required emergency surgery before spending several months in intensive care. He has said he remembers nothing from that period.

His health problems first became apparent when he cancelled festival appearances and a North American tour in October, with his team saying at the time that doctors had advised him not to perform.

Since then, Kiwanuka has largely stayed out of the public eye. He spent time in hospital before moving to a rehabilitation centre in Hampshire and has yet to return home.

There is currently no indication of when he will be ready to perform again.

Alicia Keys and other stars send support after his return

Despite the disruption, his fifth album Fudge is finally being released on 23 October.

The record had originally been scheduled for last autumn, following his Mercury Prize-winning success and his 2024 album Small Changes. 

Kiwanuka also stepped away from social media for around a year, returning this week with a personal update that prompted supportive messages from Alicia Keys, Cat Power, Alabama Shakes and Olivia Dean.

He told The Guardian that the experience has left the future of his music career uncertain, admitting: “I don't know how long it will be until I can release another record.”