Michael Kiwanuka has cancelled all his forthcoming shows, including his summer festival appearances, due to “continued illness”.
The news was confirmed in a post to his official Instagram story. Kiwanuka had shows planned at festivals in August including Ireland’s All Together Now, Hungary’s Sziget Festival, Pukkelpop in Belgium and the UK festivals We Out Here and Victorious. He will also not be opening for Mumford & Sons across North America in October as planned.
“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,” the statement began.
“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.”
Kiwanuka’s most recent album, ‘Small Changes’, was released in November. In a four-star review, NME wrote: “This album doesn’t keep you guessing. Rather than punching you in the face with a barrage of beauty, it softly rolls pockets of magic into your path. Yet, the softness of its approach does nothing to lessen the impact of Kiwanuka’s long-awaited return.”
Notably, the video for the single ‘One And Only’ was directed by Barack Obama‘s daughter Malia in her music video directorial debut.
Kiwanuka recently contributed a guest feature to the title track of Little Simz’s new album ‘Lotus’, which was released last month. Elsewhere, he embarked on a UK and European headline tour in February 2025.
