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Michael Kiwanuka 3 Credit Olivia Rose

Michael Kiwanuka unveils new cut "Hero"

15 October 2019, 14:06 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

Michael Kiwanuka is back with new single "Hero", the second single to be lifted from his forthcoming album KIWANUKA.

"Hero" arrives after August's lead single "You Ain't The Problem".

Speaking about the new offering, Kiwanuka says, ""Hero" is a song about how the gems of this world always seem to die young, and how those who are oppressed often seem to have the most to offer us."

His third album KIWANUKA follows on from 2016's Love & Hate.

Speaking about the record, Kiwanuka explains, "The last album came from an introspective place and felt like therapy, I guess. This one is more about feeling comfortable in who I am and asking what I want to
say. Like, how could I be bold and challenge myself and the listener? It is about self-acceptance in a more triumphant rather than melancholy way. It’s an album that explores what it means to be a human being today."

He adds, "When I first signed a record deal, people would ask me, ‘So what are you going to be called?’ And I never thought of that; calling myself Johnny Thunders or whatever, like singers from the past. So, on this album it’s kind of a defiant thing; I’m engaging with who I am and I’m not going to have an alter ego, or become Sasha Fierce or Ziggy Stardust, even though everyone';s telling me I need to be this, that or the other. I can just be Michael Kiwanuka."

"Hero" is out now. Michael Kiwanuka's KIWANUKA album will arrive 1 November via Polydor, and is available to pre-order now. He plays a sold-out show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on 5 March 2020. Find his full live dates.
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