On Sunday, June 22, the stage of the Mohammed V National Theater in Rabat will belong to a voice that doesn’t shout to be heard but instead speaks directly to the soul. Michael Kiwanuka, the British singer-songwriter known for his raw emotional honesty, will take the spotlight for a night that promises to be more intimate than extravagant. In a musical era filled with bombast and excess, Kiwanuka offers something rare: authenticity.
A cornerstone of contemporary soul infused with touches of rock and folk, Kiwanuka has carved out a space of his own, not by chasing the spotlight, but by staying true to himself. His songs don’t need bells and whistles to resonate. Tracks like “Cold Little Heart,” “Home Again,” “Love & Hate,” and “You Ain’t the Problem” have become modern anthems, celebrated for their ability to connect with listeners on a deeply human level. Winning the prestigious Mercury Prize for his self-titled album Kiwanuka cemented his place among the most respected voices in modern music, yet he continues to carry himself with quiet humility.
After a five-year pause from recording, Kiwanuka returned in 2024 with Small Changes—a deeply personal and subtly powerful album. The music unfolds gently, reflecting on themes like fatherhood, spirituality, and inner peace. Produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, the album doesn’t aim for grandeur but achieves something far more lasting: emotional clarity. It’s the sound of a man who has taken the time to listen to himself before asking anyone else to listen to him.
His global tour, which kicked off in February, has sold out venues across Europe—Paris, Lyon, Berlin, Amsterdam—and now it’s Rabat’s turn. His appearance at the Mawazine Festival, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is already one of the most anticipated events of the season. In a festival atmosphere buzzing with spectacle, Kiwanuka offers a chance to slow down. His performance is expected to be a rare moment of grace—stripped-down, sincere, and moving.
No fireworks, no flashy effects—just a man, his guitar, and a voice that tells the truth. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
