'Captures sense of optimism..' Michael Kiwanuka announces new album Fudge

Michael Kiwanuka's new album Fudge "captures a sense of optimism".

The 39-year-old singer revealed this week he's recovering after suffering a stroke which could "hinder" his music career in the future but his latest album was recorded before he was struck down with health woes. It's now been revealed the record was created without "any outside pressures".

A statement posted on his Instagram page explains: "Michael Kiwanuka’s new album, FUDGE, is out on 23rd October 2026.

"The album was written almost concurrently with the writing of Michael’s fourth album Small Changes back in 2023.

"During this time FUDGE became a project of its own, without the bells and whistles of a 'big' studio and away from any outside pressures, just Michael making music purely for the love of it.

"The album captures a sense of optimism, playfulness and freedom."

The album's themes have been captured in a mural painted on a wall in the London neighbourhood of Muswell Hill, where Michael grew up.

It comes after the singer told fans he was struck down with a "quite severe" stroke earlier this year which was brought on by "high blood pressure".

In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "I’m very happy to be announcing to you my new album Fudge.

"I’m especially happy because the last few months I’ve been battling some health problems which would heavily hinder and get in the way of me making music for the foreseeable future.

"A few months ago I suffered a stroke brought on by a bleed in my brain brought on by high blood pressure.

"It’s a long journey recovering from a stroke, which is why I missed some gigs recently out in the US, but I look forward to seeing you all soon.

"I’m not sure when I’ll be able to be back out on the road or what that will look like, the brain injury I suffered was quite severe so there’s a lot of rehab to be done."

Michael admitted it has been a "difficult few months", and he will be "happy to be on the other side of it".

He added: "It’s a long, tough journey ahead but I’m fighting to get better.

"It has been a difficult few months I must say but it feels like I’m on my way there now.

"I want to say a special thank you to all the incredible NHS staff and every single medical professional who has helped care for me and continue to help and encourage me in my recovery.

"And thank you to my friends and family for their continued support and to my team who will keep you updated with all things Fudge related.

"This has definitely been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced and I’ll be happy to be on the other side of it when the time comes.

"Until then I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you further down the road.