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.
Tell Me a Tale
Michael Kiwanuka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sing me a song that I'll always be in
Tell me a story that I can read
Tell me a story that I believe
Paint me a picture that I can see
Give me a touch that I can feel
Turn me around so I can be
Lord I need loving
Lord I need good, good loving
Lord I need loving
Lord I need good, good loving
Show me some strength that I can use
Give me a sound that I won't refuse
Tell me a story that I can read
Tell me a story that I can believe
Tell me a tale that always was
Sing me a song that I'll always be in
Turn me around so I can be
Everything I was meant to be
Lord I need loving
Lord I need good, good loving
Lord I need loving,
Lord I need good, good loving
Lord I need loving
Lord I need good, good loving
Yay I need loving
Lord I need good, good loving
Oh, tell me a tale that always was
Ehh, tell me something
The lyrics to Michael Kiwanuka's song "Tell Me a Tale" are about the human desire for connection and fulfillment. The singer is looking for something to believe in, something that will help turn him into the person he is meant to be. He seeks love, both personal and spiritual. The song's lyrics emphasize storytelling and creativity, suggesting that these are powerful tools to help guide us through life.
Throughout the song, the singer asks the singer to "tell me a tale", "sing me a song", "tell me a story" and "paint me a picture". He is seeking something beyond himself, something that can transport him to a different place and help him make sense of his life. The chorus emphasizes his need for love, which he sees as essential to finding fulfillment.
Overall, the song speaks to the human need for connection and the power of creativity to fulfill that need. It suggests that storytelling and art are essential to human wellbeing and can help us find the love and fulfillment we seek.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me a tale that always was
Narrate to me an intriguing story that has always existed
Sing me a song that I'll always be in
Perform for me a mesmerizing melody that resonates within me
Tell me a story that I can read
Provide me with a fascinating tale that I can comprehend through literature
Tell me a story that I believe
Tell me a captivating story that I can have faith in
Paint me a picture that I can see
Create an image for me to visualize
Give me a touch that I can feel
Immerse me in an experience I can physically sense
Turn me around so I can be, Everything I was meant to be
Guide me towards fulfilling my true potential
Lord I need loving, Lord I need good, good loving
I require affection and warmth to nourish me
Show me some strength that I can use
Demonstrate to me strength that can be utilized by me
Give me a sound that I won't refuse
Bestow upon me a sound that I cannot reject
Tell me a tale that always was
Tell me a story that has withstood the test of time
Turn me around so I can be, Everything I was meant to be
Guide me towards fulfilling my true potential
Yay I need loving, Lord I need good, good loving
I passionately desire affection and warmth to nourish me
Oh, tell me a tale that always was
Oh, narrate to me a fascinating story that has always existed
Ehh, tell me something
Um, tell me something intriguing
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL KIWANUKA, MICHAEL SAMUEL KIWANUKA, PAUL BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@savvyvenus
The jam!!! My god that flute!!! This song is pure heaven.
@savvyvenus
I’d give anything to be sitting in that audience!!! What a gift to hear this live!!!
@enlightenedsoul4282
I don't know but to me, this is a masterpiece. It's just absolutely everything to me. The video I love too. It reminds me of the 70s... Which I love. Thanks for your amazing music 🍀🍀🍀
@Phazur
Agree, true masterpiece!!
@patrickquinn33
This is jamming at its finest. How freakn' tight can these players be? This is MUSIC!!!
@helenwatkinson5873
Amen
@tons333
Tell me a tale that always was, Sing me a song that I'll always be in, Tell me a story that I can read, Tell me a story that I believe. Paint me a picture that I can see, Give me a touch that I can feel, Turn me around so I can be, Everything I was meant to be. Lord I need loving, Lord I need good, good loving. [x2] Show me some strength that I can use, Give me a sound that I won't refuse, Tell me story that I can r
@DJMikeron
the audience is mesmerized what a magic atmosphere and fantastic music sure is a work of art
@christinachrizz_7266
After all these years still my favorite song, I keep enjoying when I hear this fantastic music. Thank you!!!!!
@tacotruck7995
His music has everything! Amazing, soulful!