Michael Kiwanuka Reveals Stroke at 38, Sets 'Fudge' Album for October

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 25

Michael Kiwanuka said a haemorrhagic stroke at age 38 derailed his 2025 tour plans and delayed his fifth album, with Fudge now set for release in October.
Months of treatment followed emergency surgery: he spent time in intensive care on breathing support, then five more months in hospital before moving to a rehabilitation centre in Hampshire.
High blood pressure caused the stroke, Kiwanuka said, adding he had no prior symptoms and wants Black people to get checked earlier because of elevated risk in Black African and African-Caribbean communities.
Daily rehab now includes stretches, speech therapy and breathing work, while all live commitments remain on indefinite hold and the timeline for his return is still uncertain.
Fudge was completed before the stroke, and Kiwanuka said releasing it now matters because music has aided his recovery and preserved the creative drive he still hopes to build on.