Words: Nick Mabey. Photos: Liz Bogdan.
The 1865 was absolutely heaving last night (2/12/24) as Michael Kiwanuka continued to celebrate his first album in five years in his adopted home of Southampton. He might have been on the road for most of the year, but last week’s release of Small Changes allowed Kiwanuka the chance to try out his new material. The crowd absolutely loved it, and even though the set was short, it felt like a real privilege to be there.
The music on this album extends Kiwanuka’s portfolio of beautiful, soulful, mesmerising songs and the whole ambience of the occasion matched that. On stage, the band sat for the duration, with prominence being given to a plant on a side table as much as the musicians themselves. The crowd swayed slowly like sunflowers in a gentle summer breeze and the lights accentuated the lounge vibe, which left me wondering what they had done with the velvet sofas and crushed draylon curtains.
At the centre of all this was the man himself, Mr. Kiwanuka. I first heard Michael’s voice on Southampton Common during Covid when he told me of his concern for Tottenham Hotspur with Jose Mourinho in charge. As a fellow dog walker, such conversations are par for the course and he was just another guy to me until my son educated me on his music. I tell this story for a couple of reasons. Firstly of course the ego boost of a name drop moment but, more importantly, because what struck me was the humility, gentleness and down to earth nature of the man. I’ve bumped to him occasionally since and he’s always had time to make small talk, mostly football but often family or life in Southampton.
The qualities I experienced on the common were evident on the stage. There was a distinct lack of ego, together with a warmth and reflectiveness that oozed through the performances of songs that are themselves a reflection of the man. It was trance-inducing at times, the way melody and rhythm soothed and moved the crowd. In between songs Kiwanuka spoke with gratitude, humour and candour, telling small stories of his experiences and the emotions associated with his craft.
My personal favourites included the title track, Small Changes, a haunting poetic experience – “Wait four long years to find these sweet summer moments In the end”. And of course, Home Again which I was astonished to learn was released in 2012. It’s a heart wrenching, joyous ballad that here, among 750 swaying sunflowers in the 1865, was beautifully delivered. I’m no music critic but my heart knows when it’s being given a vigorous massage.
My only criticism of the whole evening was its brevity. I know we always want more, but in this case it felt like another 30 minutes would have been right. But the time spent was of the highest quality and it was a joy to be there. But don’t take my word for it. This performance was the last in 2024 but Michael Kiwanuka will be back out on the road again in the spring of 2025 – check out dates here michaelkiwanuka.com. He has also today been announced as one of the artists to play at Southsea’s Victorious Festival next year.
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