London-based Ugandan singer Michael Kiwanuka tops UK Albums Chart

The first single to be released from Michael Kiwanuka’s new album ‘Love and Hate’ is ‘Black Man in a White World’ is now topping the UK chart.

Kiwanuka wrote the song based on his experiences growing up in London: “I feel like, ‘Black Man In A White World’ seems to be resonating a bit. Obviously I wrote it for what’s happening in my own head, but these are interesting times. So I guess for some people it’s connecting. But it’s nice that music, I think it’s important to have art and music that connects with the times. So I didn’t do that on purpose, but it’s nice that it is relevant.”

Kiwanuka was initially a session musician before taking the leap to play his own material. ‘Love and Hate’ is Michael’s second album; his first ‘Home Again’ was released in 2012.

“You feel the pressure if – because of the first album a little bit, but the more the pressure was on myself really to make it sound good. It’s difficult to enjoy your own music, you know, because you’re used to listening to other people’s music and that’s always better. It doesn’t matter how much – how hard you work, you’ll never sound as good as the people that inspire you,” he said. “So it’s quite hard. I’m my biggest critic I think sometimes. I’m just happy that it’s out. It would be amazing if it was like a number one album, that would be the icing on the cake. Main thing is that it’s out.”

‘Love and Hate’ is out now and a European tour of the artist is underway. / Vivian Asamoah