Michael Kiwanuka, a British singer-songwriter known for his soulful music, has shared that he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke at the age of 38. This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain tissue. The incident significantly impacted his health and career, forcing him to cancel several summer festival appearances, including the All Together Now festival in Ireland. His fifth album, Fudge, was originally planned for a 2024 release but was delayed until October 2025. Kiwanuka underwent emergency surgery and spent several months in intensive care before being transferred to a rehabilitation centre in Hampshire. Kiwanuka revealed that he had high blood pressure, a condition he was unaware of before the stroke. He expressed frustration over not knowing about his health risks and emphasized the need for greater awareness, especially among Black African males, who are at higher risk for high blood pressure and diabetes—both of which are linked to strokes. Dr. Maëva May from the Stroke Association confirmed that these conditions are significant risk factors for strokes in Black African and African-Caribbean communities. Kiwanuka had built a successful music career, with his 2016 track "Cold Little Heart" achieving platinum status in the U.S. and all of his albums charting in the UK Top 10. His third album, Kiwanuka, earned the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2020. He has long collaborated with producer Danger Mouse and has recently drawn inspiration from his Ugandan heritage, incorporating elements of his culture into his music, including wearing a traditional kanzu tunic during his last tour. The creation of Fudge was a unique process for Kiwanuka, as it was his first self-produced album and was partially recorded while he was still working on his previous album, Small Changes. The music was made in a makeshift studio in Southampton called Dreamers, where he and his band worked in spontaneous, creative bursts. Kiwanuka described writing the track "Love in My Heart" as almost telepathic, with the music coming together naturally and effortlessly. Currently, Kiwanuka is undergoing rehabilitation with the support of the NHS and medical professionals. He has found comfort in singing along to his favourite songs, such as those by Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys, and in writing lyrics during his hospital stay. The stroke affected his brain's regulation of tears, leading to uncontrollable crying, which he found emotionally challenging. Despite these obstacles, Kiwanuka remains hopeful and determined to continue creating music. He plans to focus more on collaborations and reduce the intensity of his touring schedule. The release of Fudge is seen as a way to reclaim the joy and freedom that music brings him, with the album's artwork reflecting this renewed spirit.