In the famously intimate club-like setting of the Baloise Session in Basel, British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka delivered a performance of profound soul and quiet intensity in October 2019. Captured just days before the release of his critically acclaimed third album, "KIWANUKA," this concert showcases an artist at the peak of his powers, bridging the gap between vintage soul and contemporary introspection. With his full band, Kiwanuka creates a rich, textured sound that is both timeless and deeply personal.
The setlist is a masterful journey through his celebrated discography. He opens with the warm groove of "One More Night" before launching into "You Ain't the Problem," a vibrant, defiant track from his then-forthcoming album. The performance gains momentum with the powerful anthem "Black Man in a White World," a song that resonates with raw honesty and social commentary. Kiwanuka's guitar work is subtle yet expressive, and his voice, a warm and weathered instrument, conveys a spectrum of emotions, from vulnerability on classics like "Home Again" to simmering power on the epic fan-favorite "Cold Little Heart." This concert is a testament to his incredible stage presence and his ability to connect with an audience through pure musicality and heartfelt storytelling.