[REVISION HISTORY]

Michael Kiwanuka health recovery and Fudge album release

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-24 13:43 UTC → 2026-10-26 11:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka recently disclosed that he suffered a severe stroke caused by a brain bleed due to high blood pressure. He described the medical event as one of the “toughest challenges” he has faced, noting that he faces a “long, tough journey” involving significant rehabilitation. The health crisis, which involved intensive surgery and time in the ICU, resulted in a nearly twelve-month delay for his fifth studio album, ‘Fudge’. In October 2026, Kiwanuka released the album via Polydor Records following the release of the single ‘Summer Clothes’. The 12-song project marks a significant creative shift, as it is his first self-produced effort since 2012. Described as a soulful, psychedelic, and instinctive work with a minimal, free-flowing structure, the album was recorded in early 2025, almost concurrently with his 2024 release, ‘Small Changes’. Despite the album's release, Kiwanuka's recovery remains a central concern. In a September 2026 interview, he revealed that the hemorrhagic stroke occurred in July 2025. While he is currently undergoing rehabilitation, he continues to face challenges with speech and other impairments. Consequently, he has noted that his health issues will likely hinder his ability to make music for the foreseeable future, leaving the timeline for a return to live touring uncertain. Leading up to the October 23 release, Kiwanuka released the single ‘Sing’. The album, which features production by Dom Monk and Joe Connell, explores themes of introspection and new beginnings. It opens with an archival recording of the late jazz pianist Chick Corea discussing the importance of pursuing beauty. Due to his ongoing recovery, Kiwanuka has already missed several scheduled performances in the United States.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.