Michael Kiwanuka at Hammersmith Apollo

Muswell Hill’s Michael Kiwanuka’s artistry has been beloved from the start – after acting as a session guitarist for Chipmunk and Bashy, he caught the attention of Communion Records and eventually released his first EP, Tell Me a Tale. His attention to detail, particularly through the implementation of horns, strings and woodwind elements, allowed his storytelling to come alive. 

Kiwanuka breaks through the strict confines of genre: from his folk debut Home Again, to his most recent soulful release Small Changes, the singer proves that certain sounds can coincide with poetic lyricism to paint the most vivid pictures. His latest performance at the Eventim Apollo last night was an excellent example of this.

Although Kiwanuka’s setlist explored various moments within his career, this compilation took the audience through an intimate, personal journey about love and his own internal battles. The story began with The Rest of Me, whose smooth jazz allowed his strong, emotional vocals to introduce the theme of the night. Although groovy and graceful, the other classical instruments on stage showed a hint of the explosive climax to come. The 70s style of One More Night picked up the pace, adding a tambourine and a full-bodied drum to the mix. Where the studio version may focus mainly on Kiwanuka’s hearty vocal performance, this live rendition allows for the unique instrumentals to assist in the storytelling, especially as visuals depicting the stages of life were displayed on the wide screen. 

Father’s Child took further advantage of the live cello, violin, tambourine and maracas, as well as the elegance of the background vocalists, to create a grippingly psychedelic soulfulness that had the crowd’s full attention. To Kiwanuka, each element within a song has a purpose, no matter how big or small, and this is evident as the band members put the same level of passion into the performance as he did. Follow Your Dreams continued this emotional section of the show with a wonderful crescendo leading to the fusion of booming vocals, strings, guitars, piano and drums. After this peak, the music cut and the lights dimmed – the silence of the Apollo was loud, and although the audience was left speechless, a roaring applause quickly followed.

Rule the World diverged from the previous intensity. As Kiwanuka performed acoustically in the spotlight, the plot began to compile into one. The yearning feeling from tracks prior was especially felt as Emily Holligan’s powerful vocals boomed through the venue, earning the stage an overwhelming and thundering ovation. 

Thus far, Kiwanuka has taken viewers through the journey of life, focusing on childhood, young adulthood, family, romantic love and even religious connection during Hero. In Floating Parade, he ventures into what it means to come into full adulthood. As the main set nears its end, Light, Home Again, Solid Ground and Rebel Soul combine each theme touched upon into one. 

An encore is not uncommon in today’s live music scene, but Kiwanuka ignored industry standards by blessing the crowd with two. The first encore expanded further on the original story by highlighting moments from Small Changes, while the second explored the hits Cold Little Heart and Love & Hate. 

A Michael Kiwanuka show does not require insane theatrics to help it stand out from other live performances – Kiwanuka and his band let the music speak for itself. A Kiwanuka gig is a cinematic experience that substitutes actors for various instruments, and as fans left satisfied, they were surely also left feeling more connected to Kiwanuka’s work.

Taryn Crowley
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events, visit Michael Kiwanuka’s website here.

Watch the video for the single One and Only here: