British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has cancelled all of his upcoming gigs due to ‘continued illness’.
The Mercury Prize winner, 38, took to Instagram on Monday to share the news that he would be unable to perform for several months.
In a statement, Michael revealed he had been suffering from a mystery illness and on the advice of doctors had been told he could not perform.
Over the festival season, Michael has taken to the stage twice in Spain in recently, at Bilbao BBK Live and Primavera Sound.
But he revealed on Monday that his upcoming gigs, which included UK festivals Victorious and We Out Here and Budapest’s Sziget Festival are cancelled.
Taking to Instagram, a statement announcing the cancellation read: ‘We are so sorry to announce that due to continued illness, and on the advice of doctors, Michael will sadly be unable to perform at the rest of his scheduled festival performances throughout the rest of the summer and the shows in North America in October (including the support tour with Mumford & Sons.
British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has cancelled all of his upcoming gigs due to ‘continued illness’
In a statement, Michael revealed he had been suffering from a mystery illness and on the advice of doctors had been told he could not perform
‘We know this is disappointing news to hear, and nobody is more disappointed and saddened than Michael to no longer be taking to the stage as planned.
‘Love and thanks to everyone for their understanding.’
Fans were quick to comment their well wishes under the singer-songwriter’s most recent post.
They wrote: ‘Hi Michael!! We’re praying for your recovery and full ability to continue to do what you are so amazing at. Really sad not to be able to see you in October here in NYC,’;
‘I’m praying for your recovery, Michael! I hope you’re 100% soon!’; ‘Praying for you brother, take your time and heal well,’;
‘I wish for your recovery. I wish for you to be on stage again, one day. Let it be that way. ❤️,’;
‘Get well @michaelkiwanuka,’; ‘Get better soon man.’
Michael was revealed as the 2020 Mercury Prize winner for his self-titled third album.
The Mercury Prize winner, 38, took to Instagram on Monday to share the news that he would be unable to perform for several months (Seen in June 2024)
Fans were quick to comment their well wishes under the singer-songwriter’s most recent post
The singer’s success was announced live on The One Show on Thursday, with Annie Mac telling him the news before he was interviewed by Alex Jones and Amol Rajan.
Expressing his delight, Michael said: ‘This is ridiculous, it’s crazy! I’m so happy. Third time’s a charm… I’m so excited – this is for art, for music, for albums.
‘This is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do so to win a Mercury is a dream come true. I’m so happy.
‘Music and art means so much to me and this is an award that celebrates that so I’m over the moon.’
Michael went up against musicians including Charli XCX, Dua Lipa and Stormzy for the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize for Album of the Year award.
Discussing his self-titled album at the time, Michael said: ‘My name means a lot to me, it’s my heritage and who I am. And that’s something I want to be loud and proud about.’
While speaking about his impressive win, the singer also revealed that he’s often felt a little bit of ‘imposter syndrome’ in the past.
He explained that this has: ‘Taken things away from my dream job, so I made the decision when making this album to really show myself and be as clear as I can be.
The singer’s success was announced live on The One Show on Thursday, with Annie Mac telling him the news before he was interviewed by Alex Jones and Amol Rajan (Seen in March)
Michael went up against musicians including Charli XCX, Dua Lipa and Stormzy for the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize for Album of the Year award
And turning his attention to the future, Mercury prize winner Michael said that he wants to continue creating.
He said: ‘I hope to continue making records, albums, and making music which can connect with as many people as possible. Hopefully this is an award that can do that… and will be music that can help people through their day.’
During his interview Michael was asked what his name means, leaving him a little bit flustered as he joked: ‘I don’t know what it means! Someone’s got to Google it.. my cousin’s going to be “like what!?” after this.’
The judging panel said Kiwanuka was ‘the well deserved winner’ and praised the record for being its thoughtful and timely content.
They said: ‘Classic yet contemporary, drawing on the history of music while remaining an intensely personal work of self expression, this is an album that will stand the test of time.
‘Songs such as Hero and You Ain’t The Problem deal with hot button topics like race and identity, but in a reflective way that draws the listener in.’
