Kiwanuka grew up in Muswell Hill, London, the son of Ugandan parents who had escaped the Amin regime. He attended Fortismere School, leaving there in 2005 after completing his A-Levels. He went on to study at the School of Media, Arts and Design at the University of Westminster.
Kiwanuka worked as a session guitarist, playing with Chipmunk and Bashy, before working as a solo artist; his first proper gig was at The Oxford, Kentish Town. He came to the attention of Communion Records, which released his first two EPs, including his debut Tell Me A Tale on 13 June 2011.
Kiwanuka supported Adele on her Adele Live 2011 tour, as well at her iTunes Festival 2011 gig and played at the 2011 Hard Rock Calling.
In 2011, he signed a deal with Polydor Records. He was included in the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll and was named as the winner on 6 January 2012. In June 2012, he was illustrated in a BBC article regarding Spain vis-à-vis Uganda during the Eurozone crisis; his putative counterpart was actress Penélope Cruz.
In July 2016, he performed at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park on the same day as Carole King and Don Henley.
The 5th prestigious HiPipo Music Awards will honor Michael Kiwanuka with the award of "Best Global Act" in recognition and celebration of his ‘Love & Hate’ album success and musical accomplishments since his 2012 debut album "Home Again".
His song "Cold Little Heart" serves as the opening theme for the HBO miniseries Big Little Lies.
Kiwanuka has acknowledged influences from musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Jack Johnson, Pops Staples, The Band, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Eric Bibb, Tommy Sims, Wham!, Richie Havens and Funkadelic, he has played with James Gadson, who drummed for Bill Withers.
Now I'm Seeing
Michael Kiwanuka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now I'm seeing
Before I didn't know I can be it
Now I'm being
Before I've been told you can see it
Oh and I know when I'm home I can feel it
So when the day gets along I remember
That I'm fine
Now I caught me
Before I've been told it's not right
Now I don't worry
Before I've been told you can't hear it
But I know when I'm home I can feel it
So when the day gets along I remember
That I'm fine
I'm no longer weary
Oh I'm no longer scared if I'm home
'Cause I've been thinking
You wouldn't leave me
Oh my love would be here by my side
I'm no longer weary
Oh I'm no longer scared if I'm home
'Cause I've been thinking
You wouldn't leave me
Oh my love would be here by my side
Forever it'd be by my side
Before I didn't know I could see it
Now I'm seeing
Before I didn't know I could be it
Now I want to be it
Before I've been told "don't believe it"
Oh but I know when I'm home I can feel it
So when the day gets along I remember
That I'm fine
When the day gets along I remember
That I'm fine
In "Now I'm Seeing," Michael Kiwanuka is expressing how he has reached a new level of understanding and self-awareness. He acknowledges that he once didn't know that he had the power within him to see and be what he wanted, but now he sees and is. He also notes how he was once told that certain things were unattainable or not right, but he has now realized that's not necessarily true. He finds comfort in the idea that he is no longer scared or weary because he believes that love will always be by his side. The repetition of the phrase "When the day gets along I remember/That I'm fine" reinforces this newfound inner confidence.
Overall, the song is empowering and encourages listeners to trust themselves and their intuition. It's a reminder that we often limit ourselves based on what we've been told and what we think we know, but there's always room for growth and change.
Line by Line Meaning
Before I didn't know I can see it
I was unaware of the potential to recognize opportunities in life
Now I'm seeing
But now I understand and am able to see these opportunities
Before I didn't know I can be it
I was unaware of the potential to achieve my goals
Now I'm being
But now I am actively pursuing and achieving my goals
Before I've been told you can see it
I was told that certain opportunities were not available to me
Oh and I know when I'm home I can feel it
But I have come to realize that I can sense when these opportunities are present
So when the day gets along I remember
That I'm fine
I remind myself that I am capable of recognizing and achieving my goals
Before I've been told you can't have it
I was told that certain things were out of reach for me
Now I caught me
But I have come to realize that I can attain these things
Before I've been told it's not right
Now I don't worry
Others have told me that I am wrong in pursuing my goals, but I no longer worry about their opinions
Before I've been told you can't hear it
I was told that certain things were beyond my comprehension
But I know when I'm home I can feel it
But I have come to realize that I can sense these things even if I can't clearly understand them
I'm no longer weary
Oh I'm no longer scared if I'm home
I am no longer anxious or fearful when I am in my comfort zone
'Cause I've been thinking
You wouldn't leave me
Oh my love would be here by my side
I have faith that my loved ones will support me and be with me throughout my journey
Forever it'd be by my side
This love and support will be everlasting
Before I didn't know I could see it
I was unaware of my ability to recognize opportunities in life
Now I'm seeing
But now I understand and am able to see these opportunities
Before I didn't know I could be it
I was unaware of my potential to achieve my goals
Now I want to be it
But now I have the desire to actively pursue and achieve my goals
Before I've been told 'don't believe it'
I was told not to have faith in myself or my abilities
Oh but I know when I'm home I can feel it
But I have come to realize that I can sense when I am on the right path and have faith in myself
So when the day gets along I remember
That I'm fine
I remind myself that I am capable of recognizing and achieving my goals
Writer(s): MICHAEL SAMUEL KIWANUKA
Contributed by Ella H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Artioli McYourie
Working out to this playlist early in the morning. Loving life so much ❤️ wish u all the v best ;)
Nyx Quake
super late reply but I wish you the best, hope you're alright! Michael's music is timeless