Michael Kiwanuka: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

[@LibreMax101]

I somehow see in Michael Kiwanuka the Bill Withers of this generation. Unique voice, incredible songwriting and arrangements, great musicianship. One of the best doing it at the moment !

[@erikkibler3466]

There’s probably more people than you think that made that connection.

[@truffleb]

Great comparison. Both sort of in their own lanes

[@tonygallo1104]

I was sort of thinking the same thing. Do note he is not at all trying to be a copy cat! Beautiful chord progressions behind his righteous voice! I’m sure his full band arrangement s are stunning.

[@serkholopov]

❤

[@MarcioCleberBarboza]

Yeah, I made the same connection. He is a great musician, I am addicted to his songs, voices and guitar harmony.

[@darreontolliver3849]

one of the GREATEST MUSICIANS WALKING EARTH.

[@tamikoterada1189]

Seriously.

[@stevetrivago]

100% agree

[@royvanderwens]

I Agree! He is authentic and all about the music. These kinda artists must be preserved and respected!

[@darreontolliver3849]

@@royvanderwens Can listen to this Music all day. No skips!

[@Fryiez]

Facts

[@abrakadacco]

For everyone who's only now just hearing him, i suggest to go listen to the studio versions as well. I mean this tiny desk is great, but the arrangements in the album have so much depth it's incredible

[@alllscination]

I thought the same thing because I instantly fell in love with this version of Light. It's the first time I heard the song. But the studio version doesn't speak to me at all after having listened to this. It just seems overloaded to me. For me this has more depth.^^

[@ellenketut3077]

Thank you , definitely checking it out.

[@MARYANNE269]

Thank you I will. You can feel the debth in his voice. I hear him hear n there but I feel now I need to let him in my life 😊 I want to hear more 😍😍

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

I almost like these more. But a lot has to do about the live aspect - like the recent performances at the V&A or the live session from the studio for Love & Hate, which isn't solo.

[@lizbrookes2769]

I love both versions for different reasons but whatever he is....such a wonderful musician... He is one of those musicians who comes along In a generation. Nobody will be as good as him for another generation.

[@ahunxdredug8897]

I’m Kasule...Kiwanuka Originates from my Country, Thanks for representing Brother...Uganda🇺🇬 “Hero” is my favorite❤️

[@RunCircusRun]

Mine too!

[@tonygallo1104]

You have a lot to be proud of...Michael is simply righteous!

[@nicolasmora4594]

Tracklist : 1) Light 0:13 2)Hard To Say Goodbye 4:34 3)Hero 9:21 4)Cold Little Heart 13:20 5)Solid Ground 17:50

[@FXCartel]

Thank you

[@tldavidson]

Thanks for posting the songs. :)

[@kevblloyd]

You can always count on one hero in the comments.

[@fiz3531]

I looked at the first comments and wondered, where is the guy who comments the tracklist for the people? Not all heroes wear capes.

[@wildebt]

Thank you so much, I really wish they would just pin this comment or put similar timestamps in the description... 💚🙏

[@BOHEMIANWAVE]

I’m sooo in love with Michael Kiwanuka ❤! As another musician, I worship him!! He’s nothing short of Prophetic!!! A Gift from the Gods!!!❤

[@slanjbo]

This is the definition of auditory encapsulated beauty. My Dad would have loved this. RIP Pops, never a day goes by I don’t gleam wisdom from your words and also from your musical tastes.

[@farhangg.basiri3150]

same here brother your not alone

[@stevetrivago]

Saw him in 2017... Truly a life changer... Hasn’t been many days I haven’t listened to something of Michael’s. I lost my son Michael.. He was 23... I told him telephone poles don’t move. 🙏🏼 Michael Kiwanuka is a huge part of my healing ✊🏼 props to all his band mates .. Incredible talent

[@jhonrydc110]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@stevetrivago]

@@jhonrydc110 glad I saw this.. ✊🏼 thank you

[@fleurant8822]

❤️

[@elinannestad5320]

Steve, that is terrible, I am so sorry. Nothing worse. Warm wishes blowing to you. Peace.

[@luanabernardino6540]

❣️

[@j.dekker5137]

This is the best thing that happened in a long while

[@jellevanbaar5300]

Apart from a mate giving you the KIWANUKA album maybe

[@hardclaywetrock7690]

Sir this is FACKS

[@MrNathancast]

Never heard of him, but im so glad i clicked. His music is surreal. His voice, angelic.

[@UnHommeSincere]

You should really listen the studio version of the first song he's playing in this video So beautiful

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

@ Also found out about him when he released "Home again" as a single. Haven't really listened to that album since then, though; that's a weakness of mine - too much music to discover… Recently heard "Tell Me a Tale" from that album, though, which I really liked then and now. I think "Love & Hate" between the debut and the latest album is worth a mention. Especially like the live session of the title song!

[@paulasommer2922]

Have you heard Cold Little Heart yet? You will love that one too!

[@loganslone9436]

Always super impressed. His latest album “Kiwanuka” is one of the best modern albums I’ve ever heard.

[@nickmccormick4504]

Cold Little Heart may be my favorite song ever. Such a great artist!

[@amiracleone2803]

Check out love and hate. Cold little heart and love and hate are my favs.

[@claudec34]

Absolutely ​@@amiracleone2803

[@samsonmcharaly8536]

Never clicked faster in my life

[@biskit5271]

Hope you cleaned your room before coming here👀

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

Congratulations. You earned some likes.

[@davidbispo4376]

Idem

[@samsonmcharaly8536]

@@biskit5271 sadly no

[@samsonmcharaly8536]

@@replynotificationsdisabled thanks friend

[@gigawertz2582]

sweet jesus yes. i’ve been praying for this my entire life and now it’s come. i am going to evaporate

[@gayleandrus7050]

Beautiful, beautiful music, thank you!

[@Alex83333333]

God... this man have extremely unique and beautiful style of music.

[@CONSCI]

Cold Little Heart is such a beautiful song! Especially this version.

[@benjita855]

Spoiler alert! jjaj todavia no llegue ahi, pero esperaba escuchar esta cancion! :)

[@msibi]

I like the one he did live in studio, where he takes time to just play his guitar with the band backing. Setting the scene even before he sings one Lyric

[@nelsonsmith8287]

I know in my heart, theres been a child an oracle, to wake the stars. Let them talk about you and I. I know in my heart there's a place better. Its within us all search for more. Whispers are my power we need to listen to ourselves. Search no more life brings you gifts to explore. I know in my heart there's more, I know my soul will never forget. I am there for I see, I see there for I know. Silence is a killer when you don't let your soul speak freely. Trust in your self, trust what you believe, believe what you know. I know love has a place for me. Ps this is me free. Thank you for your song

[@mahmoudsamy9407]

the emotions this guy brings with him when performing is insane

[@fumnanyaokeleke-kooper4922]

After I listened to Love & Hate on Big Little Lies, I never looked back. I'm now a proper Kiwanuka stan.

[@kuroihika]

accidentally clicking on this tiny desk concert was the happiest mistake I've made today

[@burgesssam]

audibly gasped when i saw this in my subscription feed

[@sedyamullla]

Being Ugandan has never felt so good🥺

[@Lmirembe]

Glad am not the only Ugandan who loves and appreciates his music

[@promisebusulwa6759]

I'm so happy they finally got a Ugandan artist on here!

[@oewccfoewccf7443]

another Ugandan here, great to support one of our own!🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬

[@dxwallace55]

Greetings my Ugandan brothers and sisters, from Seattle USA.....

[@Muchwezi-XII]

Happy finding y’all here, peace family🇺🇬

[@B10023]

Started to listen to this while working. Got a minute in and had to stop. What was I thinking? Can’t possibly without my full undivided attention, a fine bourbon in my hand, & the best headphones I own. This level of talent deserves nothing less.

[@Reminou572]

One of the purest soul on earth.

[@aramdavid]

He's so freaking talented

[@markbajkowski1171]

In my mind, this poem "from Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur, reflects well the overall message Michael conveys to us: what is stronger than the human heart which shatters over and over and still lives

[@eudanielramos]

The best discovery I had this year - alongside Lianne La Havas. Just amazing.

[@davidpurba852]

Yeah me too lol

[@natgodley]

Feeling guilty that I didn't get into either of them sooner...

[@etcapel]

See Naima Joris too!!

[@eudanielramos]

@@etcapel gonna check out, thanks!

[@carlross-works630]

This man is slept on so crazy. How many folks sound like this with No production?!

[@Liimbozo]

How is he slept on, he's won a lot of awards, had a number 1 album, and has multiple live performances with tens of millions of views

[@nolan122]

@Liimbo Not many people in America know about him at all

[@danielmcbride2375]

A close friend past away the other day. These first 2 songs crushed me. Thank you for your words sir!

[@munongotony]

His sounds is perfect match for a mix with Sade... I got goosebumps

[@desig.2892]

Now there`s a true Musician. !! Wow !

[@fredturyatunga5994]

WELL DONE HOME BOY, MOTHERLAND LOVES YOU KIWANUKA. THANKS FOR MILEAGE. LET THEM KNOW TOO HOW YOUR MOTHER LAND IS TALENTED,YOUR AMONG GREAT TALENTS.

[@moazgado6856]

it is mad that Michael Kiwanuka doesn't get enough recognition, all his albums so far have been incredible

I just can not understand how some people can dislike such a beautiful and so emotional songs. Michael, your music is a redemption to my soul.

[@dxwallace55]

I think that's people wanting to feel like they have some power of "yay or nay" over somebody who has some talent they don't have. Kinda like movie critics, who think their criticism gives them some kind of power. Nonetheless, great artist whom I never heard of, glad I clicked.....

[@petougao]

They must be hating recordings of people sitting is dark rooms.

[@almostalwaysawake]

"Solid Ground" opens a gate way to another dimension.

[@kwross5638]

As much as I love Michael’s studio works, arrangements, I think this is the way I wanna hear him. Clear & simple, excellent instrumentals, soulful voice coming through without a need to fill every empty space in the soundscape. Beautiful.

[@patmog]

I feel like that's true for a lot of the tiny desks... .Anderson Paak, Joseph, ...

[@khanyisomgijima7109]

im one of the people listening to him for the first time, and wow he is good. I dont even understand why someone would dislike this

[@theconversationswithmuvend9047]

Khanyiso welcome to the Kiwanukas.

[@dxwallace55]

I think that's people wanting to feel like they have some power of "yay or nay" over somebody who has some talent they don't have. Kinda like movie critics, who think their criticism gives them some kind of relevance or power. Nonetheless, great artist whom I never heard of, glad I clicked.....

[@Superdelphinus]

Subjectively I don’t understand, but objectively I can see why people wouldn’t like his music - it does tend to be quite down tempo, bittersweet, broken heart type songs, that not everyone likes.

[@1shredderx]

Serious chill for 22 minutes. MK is something special that only comes along once in a generation.

[@Apoetess6969]

MK has easily become one of my favorite artists! Brilliant

[@philemonn.kithinji9442]

His music makes me happy and sad at the same time. It's magical

[@MarnixMohrmannPiano]

The first 5 seconds of his COLORS show got me hooked, excited to put this one on replay!

[@dxwallace55]

same with me....

[@Hollyfae]

Ooh, I've somehow missed that one. Thanks!

[@martindelomas9975]

one of the bests 'tiny desk concert' that i've heard. NPR Music never dissapoints, ever

[@charliesheffield1891]

One of the most emotional story telling voices. Tash sultan on tiny desk is also an interesting one.

[@antunahuel]

If music is the reflection of your soul, Michael is the connection of those parts making it into your mind and body ✨

[@audriclacour9975]

Come on NPR!!! How can you broadcast so many freaking awesome talents with a tremendous sound all the time!? You guys are Wizards and we need more of this in this sad sad world. Beautiful listening, especially when Michael is on the piano. LOVE to you all brothers and sisters

[@216tom8]

I have not heard of this gentleman. I don't know what made me hit this video, perhaps because I love Tiny Desk Concerts by NPR, but boy am I sure glad I clicked this link. His voice is so amazing, I'm wondering how I haven't heard of him yet?? How could anyone have disliked this video? Even if it isn't your go-to listening style, it's beautiful, well-written music.

[@burgesssam]

kinda jealous of all the people who are listening to this not having heard him before

[@Trex100]

Your comment compelled me to get my headphones.

[@dxwallace55]

I'm one of those dudes. Never heard him before. With many artists, you listen for 10 seconds, but after 10 seconds with this cat, I was like "Uh oooh, I gotta stop and truly listen...."

[@adityanemlekar]

First time listener. You ain’t kidding, the first 5 seconds hits like a ton of bricks.

[@jyguo2246]

I’m the one of these too. After seconds transfer from iPhone to speaker, what a wonderful!

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Me too....but then again, there are a ton of excellent artists out there who are unknown to the masses... Molly Tuttle, Rhiannon Giddens and Billy Strings are prime examples....

[@omonaijah]

No Description needed...... Here is a Michael Kiwanuka playing music for the soul

[@donnamariadelisser8082]

I'm obsessed with his talent

[@kellygrighi]

this man is able to stop a whole war singing like this. there's so much heart in his music

[@rayharvest]

Michael Kiwanuka's voice doesn't have to do anything but sing the song exactly how it is to be the best thing you've ever heard - those singers are the best kind🙌

[@TheXSpoon]

He's an amazing artist, not many musicians can be called that way lately. In his music there is heart, brain and deep roots. I've been waiting for his Tiny Desk Concert for a while, well done NPR.

[@dxwallace55]

He hit me like that after only strumming 3-4 notes, glad I clicked.....

[@Superdelphinus]

Imagine you decide to sing one day and you sound something like that

[@LateNightProductionsYT]

proof that the SM58 is a perfectly decent microphone as long as you have an insanely beautiful voice and killer songs.

[@tamiwood7584]

Michael's music is so beautiful that each song almost brings me to tears

[@Mikeevanko967]

I went to see his show at Bonnaroo a few years back, and was able to get front row. It was amazing and peaceful to watch him from up close. I met a man wearing a full three piece suit with a cloud/sky pattern with a matching cowboy hat. He was incredibly nice, he shared a joint with me and we talked about what drew us to his music. I never got his name but saw via reddit pages that he had been struck and killed in a car accident returning home from the festival. I like to think of him every time I listen to Michael's music....

[@fireyflower6643]

oh god how so SAD! That just shows you how precious and fleeting life can be

[@divineselfentity]

Thank U Tiny Desk for opening up and allowing me to explore my musical palette.

[@yufangshih]

Finally!! I've loved him so long ever since I heard his "cold little heart!!"

[@오성진-n7i]

So this is what the Real npr tiny desk should always be

[@artetface]

Is anyone gonna talk about that fisher price toy recorder? I had one! his music brings back so many childhood memories even though his music wasn’t there then.

[@timwatson1657]

dude me too! Imagine stumbling across all those recordings from 97.

[@willasbury]

A Toy Story classic

[@coral12016]

I still have my oldest nephew's fisher price "walkman". It still plays the (only have three left) cassete tapes and I love it!

[@giosal8822]

What a wonderful way to spend 22 mins. of our lives ...

[@EdwinMoindi]

I got my headphones, turned the lights low and closed my eyes. Sublime therapy, good for all my senses. Thank you Kiwanuka, you never disappoint.

[@atecadi]

Listening to this in the hospital. Two weeks here now. Music helps me to keep going on everyday. I wanted to see him live in Mallorca last summer.. I hope I can go someday. Thank Tiny Desk Concert for all the good musicians I discovered here 🌻

[@ispearedbritney]

Michael, you are a hero. Magical.

[@DanielS-bl6ip]

Just bought tickets for his upcoming presentation in Mexico City, couldn't be happier!!!

[@geraldojpr1985]

Kiwanuka is certainly the best artist of the decade. Fabulous performance

[@earthavi]

The first song I heard of his was Love & Hate, and it was one of those songs that I just want to be enveloped in. I’d put on my headphones, cover my eyes with a scarf, crawl under my blankets and feel like the music was all around me. A form of meditation, I guess. Four years after finding him and countless times listening to his albums, I still do that often. I highly recommend it. His voice is otherworldly. Incredible.

[@galaxylucia1898]

I could listen to him strumming the guitar for HOURS... such a clean recording. And his voice is so soothing, the only thing missing are ocean waves crashing softly on the shore🤗

[@MrJoelmanning]

Michael Kiwanuka's music is the medicine we all could use a little bit more of.

[@seastar7]

His vocal makes me calm just like a cup of water

[@claudiafarinasso7174]

When I want something that connects myself with my deepest heart… what a Bliss, Michael Kiwanuka ❤

[@ccanciola]

I think he is one of the most talented musicians today. He touches my heart.

[@catdaboi]

i'm in love with this guy's soul...

[@margerywelch4177]

I really like Michael K a lot. This set reminds me of Neil Young back in the day. Michael doesn't sound like him at all, but there is something about the gravitas of his songs that tickles my memory and reaches my soul. Excellent!

[@fireyflower6643]

Beautiful, not just his voice, but the dreamy chilled vibe he exudes, makes me feel so at peace And he's a Brit! Fabulous

[@chipmaxwell1564]

I love being turned on to powerful new music. You only get to enjoy that feeling once. ❤️

[@sinasoule6727]

when i listen to michael, i feel pain and joy and holiness and safety and fragility and strength - all at the same time, and it always overwhelms me. It's like he's enabling me to get in touch with my own self and to allow myself all the emotions i often don't acknowledge enough.

[@veronicai]

The most highly anticipated Tiny Desk session?

[@jt9800]

Yes.

[@Melody-my6ov]

yes!

[@holyidiotk]

いつもと場所違う？ there is no bookshelves...

[@QueenZsWorld]

ever.

[@Superdelphinus]

Is there a list somewhere? My most anticipated would be graham coxon doing his acoustic stuff, but I doubt that would happen :(

[@gpenaa]

THANK YOU MICHAEL BIG LOVE TO YOU

[@anice5005]

I NEEDED THIS TODAY, AND YESTERDAY AND ALL THE DAYS TO COME. THANK YOU.

[@timcheadle1037]

Two chords in and my body is melting. This is food for the soul.

[@chrisb4451]

I was blessed to see him live this month after trying to fly out to see him for years....and better than I could imagine. Spiritual...just so amazing....

[@lrs7838]

Loved him ever since I heard “rest” in grace & frankie lol.

[@hanssoslow5374]

Stripped down music at its very best. A little light in these very dark times. Thank you Michael

[@markscowcroft8204]

The best artist on the music scene at the moment and for a while. Totally deserved Mercury music award and every song is a gem.

[@wndvar3508]

Please please come to the states

[@sully644]

Music of and for the soul! Brilliant

[@5alphaparticles]

that guitar twang oddly enough helps to keep the listener present - tuned in instead of tuned out. his voice is so warm, perfect, by comparison. beautiful way to start the day, loving this

[@sandernederveen8763]

"Light" : 00:00 "Hard To Say Goodbye" : 04:24 "Hero" : 09:25 "Cold Little Heart" : 13:17 "Solid Ground": 17:50

[@kristenwalmsley5177]

This is the most beautiful performance on the tiny desk series. I listened to it under covid and cried. Im healing from covid a couple years later crying my eyes out again. What a precious gift Michael is.

[@mckamy4711]

His music is so healing and hopeful in a way you can't even describe

[@janellbarnes6007]

Why I’m over here crying!! This man is amazing . All of his songs are hitting me right here in my chest. I never knew who he was until I watched Big Little Lies. So glad I have found this artist. Very talented.

[@nprmusic]

Tiny Desk Concerts are only possible through donations from our community. This year has been unprecedented but we’ve made sure to keep producing the concerts you love. Show your support with a donation to your local NPR station at n.pr/support-the-tiny-desk

[@radicalbooksandactivists]

I'm donating. Soon as I square my credit card.

[@thomashamilton826]

I love this but it’s ruined, absolutely ruined by poorly placed ads. Either remove the ads or put them in transition places.

[@christopherprior4493]

As Thomas mentioned below, putting ads in the middle of songs doesn't fit with what I thought NPR stood for. I've supported NPR for years and love your Tiny Desks. Would love to continue - but if you are using advertising instead for revenue will look elsewhere for places to enjoy music and give my support.

[@michele21auntiem]

I know you have been hit hard. I donated. But i do wish ads could be between songs. But thet are probably controlled by youtube.

[@wildebt]

Hey Tiny Desk, could you please start putting timestamps for each individual song in the video description, or perhaps in top pinned comment.. I know some kind viewer usually does this in a comment, but it can get lost in the ocean of unpinned comments. So please help💚🙏

[@SoundsLikeFuture]

Michael is what I need in these crazy times... his music is bitter-sweet, makes me feel sad, but still wanting more of it. His voice is just therapy.

[@brotherlysoutherly784]

love this acoustic set - fabulous.

[@jimberlygridder183]

Cold little heart describes my last 10 years sooooo thoroughly. But Mike you left out that last part about " but I know myself ..so its probably not true"... that line is so real and sad and beautufil just like the rest of the song. Great melody..song structure..lyrics..and an honest voice takes you all the way brother. Thank you for your music.

[@starccs]

Kiwanuka is such an amazing singer and songwriter. I'm also a fan of acoustic sessions and this one is just chilling. He reminds me of Nina Simone, such a raw and emotional voice.

[@alicehatta8591]

My intuition said to click on this. It never disappoints me.

[@bthedonb3013]

Mines too

[@thesuncollective1475]

Is it jus me or did you think he was gonna set his guitar on fire Hendrix style b4 the last song...I looked like he was thinking about it lol!

[@mariahpapaya5678]

Same 😌

[@davidwood3769]

Hello

[@dublinjazz1]

Hard to say goodbye is one of those rare songs that literally makes me go weak at the knees.

[@SOI-wl2lo]

Kiwanuka is a once in a generation voice and talent. Honestly looking forward to what he'll do and who he'll work with next 🙌

[@naasirataylor9180]

Anyone connected to the One Creator of sound knows for sure that his voice, his lyrics, his music is divinely inspired. I'm in my 50's and can say he has inspired me. The last artist that fit the level of mastery in connecting to my spirit was Earth, Wind and Fire - back in the day at age 13. Michael Kiwanuka is long time in coming, but glad he is here.

[@harung1993]

omg yessss finally he is in Tiny Desk.

[@ROJTHEGOAT]

men i have always loved the sound of Michael Kiwanuka.