Michael Kiwanuka has reflected on his victory in the BBC’s Sound Of 2012 poll.
Collating the opinions of broadcasters, journalists and taste makers across the land, the BBC’s annual Sound Of… poll has earned a reputation as an accurate barometer of breaking musical talent.
This year, the poll was topped by Michael Kiwanuka. The songwriter’s blend of folk and soul has earned him widespread plaudits, and following the release of two EPs Kwanuka is widely tipped to break into the mainstream.
Michael Kiwanuka recently reflected on his victory in the poll. “Loads of things excite me about it,” he told the Guardian. “I’m not gonna lie and say I don’t care, because I’ve always wanted to be a musician and recognition for your art is definitely something you take to heart.”
On a more negative note, the singer added: “But it may well come with baggage. Expectations. The fact that the more people who hear your music, the more people you discover don’t like it.”
Comparisons have been made between Michael Kiwanuka and soul greats, with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers and Terry Callier all used as reference points. Reflecting on this, the newcomer said: “I can’t sing any other way. At first I hated it, I didn’t want to sound like that. You have your heroes and you want to sound like them. In my little head I thought: I don’t sound like Marvin Gaye, so it’s crap.”
“Eventually you accept who you are. That it’s better to sound like you. That that’s actually cool.”
Looking ahead, Michael Kiwanuka is set to open a full British tour next month. Opening in Belfast on February 10th, the singer will travel around the country before bringing the dates to a close in Edinburgh on February 25th.
Tickets are on sale now.
Michael Kiwanuka is set to play the following shows:
February
10 Belfast Stiff Kitten
11 Dublin Whelans
12 Cork Cyprus Avenue
14 Birmingham Glee Club
15 Brighton Komeda
16 London Islington Assembly Halls
18 Leeds Brudenell Social Club
19 Liverpool Masque
20 Manchester Ruby Lounge
23 Newcastle Cluny
24 Glasgow King Tuts
25 Edinburgh Electric Circus
