Michael Kiwanuka - Black Man In A White World

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Michael Kiwanuka - Black Man In A White World (Official Video)
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Lyrics
I've been low, I've been high
I've been told all my lies
I've got nothing left to pray
I've got nothing left to say
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white...
I'm in love but I'm still sad
I've found peace but I'm not glad
All my nights and all my days
I've been trying the wrong way
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I feel like I've been here before
I feel that knocking on my door
I feel like I've been here before
I feel that knocking on my door
And I've lost everything I had
And I'm not angry and I'm not mad
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I've been low and I've been high
I've been told all my lies
I've got nothing here to pray
And I've got nothing left to say
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm a black man in a white world
I'm in love but I'm still sad
I've found peace but I'm not glad
All my nights and all my days
I've been trying the wrong way
I don't mind who I am (I'm a black man in a white world)
I don't mind who you are (I'm a black man in a white world)
I'm not wrong, I'm not wrong (I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh it's alright, it's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh it's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
I don't mind who I am (I'm a black man in a white world)
I don't mind who you are (I'm a black man in a white world)
I'm not wrong, I'm not wrong (I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh it's alright, it's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh it's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh it's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
I'm not fighting (I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh it's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
I'm not fighting (I'm a black man in a white world)
I got somethin' on my mind (I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
Oh, I am not (I'm a black man in a white world)
It's alright
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
(I'm a black man in a white world)
It's alright (I'm a black man in a white world)
#Kiwanuka

[@Wazabanga1]

Uganda we are proud of our son..His music is food for the soul.Keep the🇺🇬🇺🇬 flag high brother

[@Krfran14]

he has so much musicality, laden with musical integrity, i hear blues jazz and even deep south louisiana folk. so so proud of this young man with a deep conscious soul. His music is subtlyevocative and evokess and era gone by. Well done michael for fusing both worlds. A modern classic for sure.

[@matthewlayford1736]

When I heard this on the radio I genuinely thought it was classic soul/rhythm and blues. Think I've found a new favourite sound.

[@AlternativeSack123]

Check out his debut album

[@22Purplemist]

It is reminiscent of early soul/RnB - takes me back to my youth. I love this and all his other music I have heard so far :)

[@Hunter-n2j]

Me too. I love his voice and clean language. Race to express who we are, to me is not a subject. We're all humans, good or bad. It is a shame that when we talk about somebody we have to use the color of our skin for some fools to understand who we/they are.

[@sallystearns5911]

👍👍👍

[@johngarcia5657]

Michael Kiwanuka is a phenomenal artists. Glad I discovered him.

[@adjoint_functor]

Fun fact: The man who directed this video (Hiro Murai) also directed This is America

[@ScottyTownsend91]

It’s the end of 2024. I listen to this song every so often and when I do it still has the same effect. I’m only 33 and this song makes me think about the history of what black men in the states have to deal with on a day to day basis. From buck braking, destroying our families and the black man as the strength of love and strong unity to police brutality and our sons killing one another I can’t help but shed a tear. Us African Americans in general are a lot stronger and smarter than what this world gives us credit for. I listen to this song both as a strength and as a remembrance for all the black men out here like me just trying to survive with what little sanity I have left.

[@saviopereira3635]

Holly s**** I'm a black man on a white world living In Bahia, Brazil, and I love this song, it chills me up and make me wanna dance in the way i know how, with happiness. Man I love jazz, I love being black and all that was taken from us, we gonna take back, I believe. Stay strong everyone

[@syreetadukes4428]

Let's keep vibing

[@orioanubis9772]

Interesting, what was taken from you?

[@cascade3769]

@@orioanubis9772 It's fashionable to say that.

[@RalfPetersen-h7d]

black is beautiful (a white one from Germany)

[@Isabelitamellamo]

This song makes me smile thinking of one of the best things of my 11 years in Baltimore: the joy of a black man smile, the warmth of their words, the flow of their moves, the amazing style to carry on with dignity in a society that discriminates against them. I fell in love with their culture and their pride.

[@lauranovak8407]

Makes me wanna die just so I can come back- hopefully as black as all black can be. Paleeez, if there is a god.

[@spriteman6940]

I saw this song live at green man 2022

[@la_bart369]

​@@donaltrump7121 says the white man that have the biggest crime rate of us all🤣

[@Evlogite19]

Aaaaaaand the most pathetic, bourgeois white liberal Virtue-Signal Award of the year goes to…

[@kristoferfer]

Ah yes, the culture of exponential violent crime rates, single motherhood and leeching off of government funds

[@christinachristman]

Came here after just hearing the song on a TV show- can't believe I never heard this before- so amazing and talented

[@ravex1002]

shameless?

[@Steven-ep7ed]

Who else is here because of Michael Kiwanuka? lol just playing. His older music is just as great. Don't sleep on it.

[@andreamaldonado3205]

I'm here because of the Alabama Shakes on Pandora. This gentleman is amazing. His voice is captivating, and his songs are unique. Bless you and I sincerely hope you get the recognition you deserve.

[@thacrypt223]

Just saw this live today at the Øya festival in Oslo. What a treat!

[@JennyGSS]

This artist is very talented and I believe his music will go around the world. Greetings from Greece.

[@ashleyarcher147]

What a Strange Fruit this beautiful piece is. So much heart and SOUL! Molo vibes.

[@Yesterdayrose2811]

Dear Michael Don't worry I'm ugandan fan of yours and you can call me your people because you are my person .I take pride in being your fan

[@ronblevins5610]

Unfortunately so many blacks are stuck on rap that they haven’t heard of this guy. Great song and video.

[@johnnybyamungu7748]

As a black child it has helped me through high school. Thank you

[@prishahackman3490]

Can’t get enough of this guy.....so talented

[@productplacementadz24-73]

Been there bro... Still there in fact.

[@adiamar6490]

You can't hear this song without getting up and dancing. Great song !

[@jonas-qp7bo]

“i’m in love and i’m still sad” i’ve never related to anything more

[@JJ-ct7iy]

Sed :(

[@OsireionAbydos]

If this track was released in the 60's or 70's it would of went down as one of the best soul songs ever, i think its that good in my opinion

[@eligijuskivilsa7957]

This singer has to be on the radio.

[@natoraproducoeseventos606]

Simplesmente magnífico! Sou professor no Amazonas, Brazil! Saiba que vou trabalhar sua música com meus alunos.

[@denissongoncalveschaves1936]

Como foi ?

[@queenswisdom3365]

🙌

[@am3ric4lov3]

Adele brought me here and I am not regretting THIS IS GLORIOUS. thanks mom, it was worth it

[@gregthompson156]

Love this SONG CUZZ IM BLACC

[@anaiznezmajid8347]

did adele cover this? sorry didn't know of this, links to adele much appreciated

[@SaraNadineMusicSurgeon]

Brilliant timing...I expect to hear this song for years to come...

[@tuxedoneko9837]

If you think this song can't get better, you haven't seen these amazing talented musicians live. They blew my mind 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 in the best way 🤟🤟🤟

[@summer66ification]

omg the last frames with the boy falling, so profound and unsettling. Great song and video. Bravo.

[@ruedizimmermann9495]

right back to the 70s! love it, from switzerland.

[@PERSNICKETYREBELSHANGO]

the dancing in this video touches my soul and does something to my spirit🙏

[@mosca-tse-tse]

Same here. The entire video is art. Very well done.

[@anaisolivares9370]

yessss everytime i feel that!

[@GOBLlN]

this is beautiful, Thanks to the get down for sending me here and finding about this piece of art

[@nazarethestebanrobles8811]

In this summer I found out this great singer..Michael.Kiwanuka, watching the big littlee lies serie..I like so much the soundtrack...right now I follow all the michael 's musical work .

[@Killerwhale317]

being hated and misunderstood because im a young black man is why im here

[@danab.845]

Sooooo goood! And the whole band is damn good! Oh, their drummer...he's just really talented.

[@Leyla-hk5us]

Spectacular cinematography and a heartwarming song!

[@bushweednever]

I don't need to be a black man to feet this. Precious music.

[@rosemarybloom9851]

This world belongs to all. Every human being living under the same sky has the right to equality, opportunity, peace, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone should work hard diligently to make it so. Together we must say, I am my brothers and my sisters keeper.

[@PURPLETOPZ]

I could relate to this song very much right now. But I count my blessing and thank the most high I have my health.

[@yunesrusty9482]

Respect to this man...a real artist with great talent...greetings from 🇲🇦 north Africa

[@allocopoulet9419]

Salam khoya

[@samarhoussaini9575]

Brilliant! my heart is not stopping clapping with the music. I am in love!

[@astridmazzarella1309]

I'm Caucasian 73 female and love this!! Love all his songs...Makes me think of how difficult it really is ...his words..especially my concern for my biracial grandkids...crazy world.😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@wilsonmoreno825]

al principio pense era una cancion de calle, pero es de las mejores obras de arte que vi este año !!

[@EdenTheArist]

Remember Christ said that which is born of the flesh is of the flesh, and the spirit is of the spirit. Our kingdom is not of this world, for lo the kingdom of God is within you. And our time is always.

[@EdenTheArist]

Believing in values like democracy, equality, and liberation are good things in life. If you believe in black lives matter or all lives you're literally that close...All you're missing now is Jesus. Whether you're black or white or any other race religion denomination in the world. Because it is only when we have no enemy... That it is possible to conquer the enemy within us. Its not say you won't ever have opposition, challenges, and pushback in your life, it doesn't mean that you won't ever encounter unfairness, but what it means is that we are already conquerors through him who loved us. We have already been received accepted and blessed without falling into the pit that this world sinks into. It means that its okay to let go and let God. That's faith.

[@NileValleyHistory]

Music for your mind and soul,. This is too beautiful 👌🏾✊🏿

[@omnibeats]

Reminds me of Marvin Gaye !! Love it

[@mirxclex6770]

same!

[@danhenricus]

Especially from 1:47, goosebumps.

[@dwbuchanan1980]

Couldn't believe this is a new song. Instant classic!

[@Smiff74]

Just bought tickets to see him in Newcastle upon Tyne

[@ShadesofAfrikaLongBeach]

I guess you would consider Bob Marley a 'sell out' the same way...cause he stood up for Black Lives as well...

[@annemiller297]

Seriously, I wish I had discovered Michael before now. He is truly like a male Nina Simone for today's generation.

[@lindokhumalo1285]

So true

[@RaMahUganda]

I was wondering and that's it he does remind me of Nina Simone...👍🏿👍🏿

[@peenprincess]

this generations Nina Simone is such a great way to describe Michael!

[@tumelo4526]

Super well said!!

[@DigitalLazarus]

"I am Ali" brought me here. How splendid is Michale Kiwanuka? Believing it. ...

[@jdnwritingmachine]

Loving this will all my heart. Not the corny "let's get together" type song, just a real expression from a soul that sadly realizes what is, period. A gem of a time less record.

[@MeimeiLovesmusic]

A powerful artist of our times!!!

[@thetowerstory]

Who else ...comeback and listen to this after what is happening in 2020😢

[@regianesousa7399]

Me, I am so sad. They want all us black people dead, here in Brazil happens the same. We had also a recent case in Rio with a black boy called João Pedro. I'm tired of this!

[@thetowerstory]

Regiane Sousa sometimes I asked my self what my race has done to be treated like this ?😞😔

[@escapereality3980]

🙏

[@MissCagoita]

Me, I love Michaels voice, but now had to listen to it again. Black man in a sad world :(

[@Nootnootman]

I only wish we could see trough the eyes of others

[@korneliamckenziemusic1126]

So fresh. This gentleman is going places. I know it.

[@dasmann5296]

you look white. Do white people listen to this kind of song too?

[@daveleafey9283]

+DasMann yeah we aren't racist

[@korneliamckenziemusic1126]

DasMann I can't speak for all white people, but I love this kind of music.

[@22Purplemist]

I'm a white woman of middle years and I love this. I have a very eclectic taste (of many genres) but have loved 'black music' since I was a little girl. I wasn't introduced to it; simply that this music communicated/connected with my soul

[@TheTobivideos]

possibly one of the best protest songs written in the past year, question why are there less protest songs or songs for peace now than there was in the 60's when we need them even more now?

[@jessicag.1845]

Don't care what anyone says, Michael really was the musical mastermind behind "The Get Down". I will always be bitter that Netflix cut the show short.

[@OtsileM]

I love the drum and bass on this. Awesome rythem.

[@luizk1684]

Incredible! the best video, the best music and the best singer! when I see this video, I feel pain and hope too! thanks! ✊🏽❤️❤️❤️✨

[@KnowThiSelf]

this song repeats itself just like history does....good song... symbolic

[@Domiofficial]

This is Perfect.

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

I am so grateful I got to see him live! He's incredible!!!! And his guitar playing skills... Jeez...

[@Loveof_God7]

This is amazing! Thank you Mike for delighting us with this master piece.

[@helenablackcat]

GREAT song!!! GREAT lyrics!!! And for sure, it should be a GREAT new album!!! : )) : )) Thank god, there are black men like you, in this ( also white, yes ) world!!! Congratulations dear Michael!!!

[@-_--ur8rh]

Hello from Russia. I like your music.

[@BCMZ]

Color of skin is it not a parametr to define if a man is good or bad, so be careful friends, to become like those you condemn!

[@drinkcoconutwater]

I have just discoverd Kiwanuka and I'm so sad i have been living in the dark. This is magic to my ears... Thank you Michael!!

[@helentrask6725]

I had his first album and was excited for this single before Adele tweeted it BUT I'm so glad she did. If it brings him more fans then that's a bonus!!!

[@SlyCooperFR]

This album will be MASSIVE !

[@aronbeaux8048]

buy it don't illegally copie it lol

[@SlyCooperFR]

+Aron Beaux Of course man !

[@whizzdoomproductionz]

+Aron Beaux l won't lie l won't buy it...

[@SlyCooperFR]

I pre-ordered it ! Can't wait to listen to this beauty :)

[@aronbeaux8048]

+whizzdoom lol Thats good. his not major so not many people will buy his album. He needs our support

[@traversenoga3088]

any one from 2024

[@jadestined5918]

I raise you 2025

[@spikeburst6527]

Agnostic since 1st album . YT hooks me up with 3rd album . My heart melts . Spend couple hours on YT. Listening .

[@muzzogeo]

How can you dislike this kind of music... unless your hate does not let you hear anything...

[@lisadewey511]

Thanks, Nick Mulvey for leading me to this talented artist! Powerful song, powerful talent.

[@alexaescobar1443]

M A R A V I L L O S O !!! Sencillamente maravilloso, canciones para el corazón!!! Gracias Michael, saludos desde Colombia

[@lisamarie479]

I've been low, I've been high I've been told all my lies I've got nothing left to pray I've got nothing left to say I'm a black man in a white world I'm a black man in a white world I'm in love, but I'm still sad I've found peace, but I'm not glad All my nights and all my days I've been trying the wrong way I'm a black man in a white world I'm a black man in a white world I feel like I've been here before I feel that knocking on my door I feel like I've been here before I feel that knocking on my door And I've lost everything I had And I'm not angry and I'm not mad I'm a black man in a white world I'm a black man in a white world I've been low and I've been high I've been told all my lies I've got nothing here to pray And I've got nothing left to say I'm a black man in a white world I'm a black man in a white world I'm in love, but I'm still sad I've found peace, but I'm not glad All my nights and all my days I've been trying the wrong way I don't mind who I am I don't mind who you are I'm not wrong, I'm not wrong Oh it's alright, it's alright Oh it's alright Oh it's alright, It's alright

[@suannoir]

Someone PLEASE feature this song in a major motion picture... It's so darn POWERFUL!

[@carlos26323]

suan. noir It's in a show on netflix called The Get Down. you should check it out! It's an amazing show

[@papaaggi]

I cant control my feet, after this beautifull soul beat,and 60''s styl violins.!!!!! Love it!

[@PapilioArcturus]

I have goosebumps! This is what the music has to do to my body

[@jacobowen4514]

His style is so damn refreshing. What ever happened to talented artist? They are about as rare as it gets.

[@paolabs]

me singing: IM A BLACK MAN IN A WHITE WORLD me: a white girl

[@antonellagiordano5448]

I've listened to this song because of Bad little lies, love at first note. Absolutely amazing. IN LOVE.

[@karukerabijoux]

Hi Michael, thanks si much for following me and thanks for your beautiful music 😍💖 I love your work !!! ✊🏽❤️

[@thisstillchangesnothing]

Talented young man, exciting times for British music.

[@XtarShoter]

@Ted Bundy Then what is he ?

[@Omelletr]

@Ted Bundy he's British he was born in the UK so what if he's parents are from nigeria

[@Omelletr]

@Ted Bundy he's still british my friend, all he probably knows besides living in a algerian family is british culture, the reason he made the song is probably because him living in a white predominant society

[@JoeMcKnz]

@Ted Bundy being British is a nationality not an ethnicity. He's not caucasian, but he's British. What if he told you he was British? Shouldn't expect anything less from a guy with Ted Bundy as their name though.

[@T1O2T3Y4]

Amazing ! amazing ! just amazing !!!!!

[@luanevictoria7638]

Vim do Brasil pra dizer que eu me apaixonei completamente pela música e o clipe. Nunca amei tanto um clipe como eu amo esse. s2

[@luluizabelle4119]

Luane Victoria eu também

[@thaynatobias6953]

Luane Victoria verdade

[@beatrizpassos3530]

Também! Sou apaixonada por essa e pelas outras musicas dele! Incrível artista 💘

[@berreka5987]

Eu tbm amei de vdd

[@corsariocapitao]

Música perfeitaaaaa.

[@gymholiks]

Making Uganda proud. My best Artist in the world

[@pameladonovan7068]

We are all human, some good, some bad. Your music is perfection.

[@elgrande5605]

Una rola super chingona 😀 increible el video tambien, quien sabe cuantos años han pasado desde que apareció el último digno representante del Soul y de la música afrodesendiente (la mayoría de los que hay hoy en día dejan muchísimo que desear). esta canción, la letra, el ritmo, el rango vocal del cantante y los coristas, Todo es encantador. El mundo de la música popular no está decayendo despues de todo.

[@2flyrye]

Yio

[@BAYTVN1]

The Get Down Brought me here.

[@giannisapodato]

The best song for 2016..Love it :)

[@MBauer]

Damn this is powerful. And the music is timeless. Well done.

[@honkykilla]

how can someone not like this?

[@WhisperingNavajo]

Love it, any black man should be able to relate to this, peace to everyone else living this struggle

[@aronbeaux8048]

you got it

[@sherrybopcherrypop]

+VTS -NL stop trying to cover up the reality of other people with your wishful thinking.

[@WhisperingNavajo]

Your insecurity is showing

[@sherrybopcherrypop]

***** Yes there is only one reality. And the scope that you get to experience of it is limited. Your arguments are flawed, if you can even call it an argument. No one here even brought up police issues. And even if we were having that discussion, the police issue is much more nuanced than what you have already decided you want to believe.Having said that, the song isn't about police officers picking on black people, its about the fact that the hegemonic condition makes it disproportionately more difficult for black people to attain upward social mobility. The evidence is all around you, unless your myopia takes you as far as to believe that structural factors play no role in an individual's life, and black people are worse off because of genetics. If that's the case, I've got quite the peer-reviewed reading list for you.

[@homeboytrt]

so... a black man uses the word struggle, you relate that to slavery lol...Bravo ( slow clap )

[@bigmannslim]

We all have certain parts of history we connect with for whatever reason. In my opinion he his choosing to tell a story that is not necessarily his own. In doing so he is paying respect to those who actually went through the things he is singing about. But I think he is making a connection to recent events. Personally listening to the song reminds me that nothing can stop you, because my people are still here. I've listened to a lot Kiwanuka and all his music is well written. Which would have me believe that everything about this song is intentional, including the repetition. With songs like this, I think its a huge misconception that Black people believe as if the have a monopoly on oppression. Most of us are more sensitive to the plight of all people every where because of the history of our people.

[@yougotsaprettymouth]

The cinematography on this. WOW. Love from Mexico 2019.

[@franklinjennings9777]

I'm crushed. This is beyond words. Thank you.

[@Kazakor]

How did I go 56 years without discovering this man? What a talent.

[@FrankMalaba]

You have a gorgeous profile picture.

[@rmoon11231998]

This show will be LEGENDARY!!!!❤️❤️❤️✌🏿

[@JdillaTV]

Kiwanuka and Nas should collab on a whole album together, the way Nas did with Damien Marley!

[@iamjoehill]

Jdilla naaaah

[@jasper7225]

this song is so strong it touches the soul

[@DamilolaObajemihi]

This is fire🔥🔥🔥💯🔥🔥

[@trailcampers]

I'm here not because of anything.. I'm here for the discovery of beautiful music like this on KZbin.. and I have hit the right spot..

[@dikachiokafor409]

The get down put me on ✊🏾

[@JonathanCorreav]

I love the influence of Marvin Gaye in his music.

[@ams30393]

this is music!!! you know what am saying?!!!

[@thunderballsz]

Kiwanuka has been on a roll since this album, and I hope he continues to flourish as the years go by. As for the video, Hiro Murai may be the only director today that can rival the great video directors from the 90s (i.e., Mark Romanek, Chris Cunningham, Spike Jonze, David Fincher, Michel Gondry, Jonathan Glazer).

[@MosiMusik]

big love! Saw you at Airwaves ..Suneil was my guest and invited us to your show. It was amazing. Thank you ;) to bad about the weather ...