Michael Kiwanuka Reveals Stroke Recovery & Announces New Album ‘FUDGE’

Michael Kiwanuka revealed he suffered a stroke and is undergoing rehabilitation, news he shared alongside the announcement of his new album, FUDGE. The follow-up to Kiwanuka’s 2024 album, Small Changes, is due out October 23 via Polydor.

Kiwanuka detailed his condition and gave context for FUDGE, stating:

“I’m very happy to be announcing to you my new album FUDGE. I’m especially happy because the last few months I’ve been battling some health problems which would heavily hinder and get in the way of me making music for the foreseeable future.

“A few months ago I suffered a stroke brought on by a bleed in my brain brought on by high blood pressure. It’s a long journey recovering from a stroke, which is why I missed some gigs recently out in the US, but I look forward to seeing you all soon.

“I’m not sure when I’ll be able to be back out on the road or what that will look like, the brain injury I suffered was quite severe so there’s a lot of rehab to be done, it’s a long, tough journey ahead but I’m fighting to get better. It has been a difficult few months I must say but it feels like I’m on my way there now.

“I want to say a special thank you to all the incredible NHS staff and every single medical professional who has helped care for me and continue to help and encourage me in my recovery. And thank you to my friends and family for their continued support and to my team who will keep you updated with all things FUDGE related.

“This has definitely been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced and I’ll be happy to be on the other side of it when the time comes. Until then I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you further down the road.”

Kiwanuka discussed his health and the new album in an interview with The Guardian, his only interview for the release. According to The Guardian, Kiwanuka fell ill at the end of July 2025 following a run of European shows, and his remaining summer festival appearances and October North American dates were canceled. His team told the publication he underwent emergency surgery and spent months in intensive care, followed by five more months in the hospital, before moving into a rehabilitation center in Hampshire, England. He has not been able to return home since.

“I want to tell people why I haven’t been around,” Kiwanuka told The Guardian. “It’s been a while. And I think something that everyone can relate to is pain and struggle. That’s one thing all humans have in common. So I’m just sharing mine with the world.”

Fudge was written in 2023, largely in parallel with the songs for Kiwanuka’s fourth album, Small Changes, which was released in 2024. The material developed into a separate project, made outside a major studio setting and away from outside pressures. Kiwanuka self-produced the album, which was completed before his stroke.

“A stroke can take away a lot of things, but it can’t take those songs away,” Kiwanuka said. “So I’ve got hope from that.”

FUDGE Tracklist

1. Summer Clothes
2. California
3. Just Another Moment
4. Drowning In Your Heart
5. Love In My Heart
6. Across The Sky
7. Stars
8. You Sent Me Flying
9. Move In My Direction
10. Steve’s Paradise
11. Sing
12. Swings and Roundabouts